CJ has partial complex seizure disorder that results in psychomotor attacks, which are less severe than grand mal seizures. Psychomotor attacks are focal seizures characterized by a one or two minute loss of contact with surroundings. The patient is mentally confused, may stagger, perform purposeless movements, and make unintelligible sounds. The patient will not understand what is said and may refuse aid. These attacks can develop at any age and are associated with structural lesions in the temporal lobe.
Some patients experience an aura between a few seconds and several hours prior to a seizure.
An aura is a subjective sensation such as a peculiar smell, vision, taste, or feeling that precedes a seizure. Some auras are very subtle, such as a slight blurring of vision, that may pass unnoticed by the patient. Some can be very clear and noticeable. CJ may also mumble and blink rapidly. CJ describes this period as similar to waking up in the morning.