Based in Miami, Florida, Dr. Ramesh Sachdeva is a longtime pediatric critical care physician who has worked in various intensive care units over the years. Dr. Ramesh Sachdeva implemented a funded program that improved the access of youth and children with epilepsy to quality care.

A brain condition resulting in seizures, epilepsy is a more common nervous system disease affecting young people. One type is a focal or partial seizure, limited to one side of the brain, and can impact one or more regions. Typically, such seizures are preceded by auraor a sense of fear, euphoria, or deja vu. In addition, hearing, smell, and visual changes may occur.

The focal seizure usually impacts only a limited body part, such as sight or an isolated muscle group. By contrast, the complex focal seizure often affects the temporal lobe, which controls memory and emotions, and usually results in loss of consciousness. This is not the same as passing out, as it may involve unusual behaviors and a lack of awareness of surroundings while awake.

Common behaviors associated with complex focal seizures are crying, screaming, running, smacking lips, and gagging. During the postictal period following the seizure, intense tiredness is likely. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and involve losing consciousness and a sleepy postictal state.