The temporal lobes of the brain control memory and emotions, as well as survival reactions such as the 'fight-or-flight' response that governs how someone reacts to dangerous situations. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most common forms of epilepsy. The causes of temporal lobe epilepsy can be varied and include brain injury and genetic defects. However, the end result is that bursts of unpredictable abnormal electric activity in the temporal lobes causes seizures that have specific symptoms.
Auras
In many cases, the first warning that a temporal lobe seizure is about to happen is an unusual sensation or emotion known as an aura. According to MayoClinic.com examples of this phenomenon may include a sudden sense of fear, déjà vu or a strange taste or odor. This is due to the occurrence of a very small seizure, termed a simple partial seizure, occurring in the temporal lobes. The electrical activity stimulates brain cells involved in memory, emotion or sensation and causes a false sense of perception.
Seizures
As the abnormal electrical activity increases, the simple partial seizure turns into a complex partial seizure that affects the level of consciousness and also results in repetitive movements. These movements may include lip smacking, repeated swallowing or chewing and unusual repetitive finger movements, says the MayoClinic.com. Temporal lobe seizures can last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes and, in some cases, may also progress into generalized seizures that affect the whole brain. If this happens complete loss of consciousness will occur along with convulsions.
Post-Seizure Confusion
Once the abnormal electrical activity has stopped occurring in the temporal lobes, full consciousness will be regained. However, this is often followed by a few minutes of confusion and difficulty speaking. Because the seizure occurs in a part of the brain that controls memory the person will also not be able to recall having a seizure or anything that happened during the seizure.
