Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What characterizes complex partial seizures?

1. Involuntary motor activity with confusion post-event

2. Loss of consciousness with jerking movements

3. Brief lapses in attention with returning to activity

4. Repetitive seizures affecting consciousness

The correct answer is: Involuntary motor activity with confusion post-event

Complex partial seizures are primarily characterized by an alteration in consciousness that often includes periods of confusion or disorientation following the seizure. During the seizure, the individual may display involuntary motor activity, such as lip smacking, repetitive hand movements, or other automatic behaviors, while not being fully aware of their surroundings. The confusion that follows is a critical element, as patients typically have little to no memory of the event itself. This is distinct from other seizure types, as complex partial seizures involve impaired consciousness rather than a complete loss or brief lapses. They do not typically present with the generalized jerking movements seen in some other seizure types, nor are they characterized by a series of repetitive seizures affecting consciousness as mentioned in the other options. Thus, option A accurately encapsulates the hallmark features of complex partial seizures.