Seizures of the Frontal Lobes: Clinical Presentations and Diagnostic Considerations

The frontal lobes are involved in motor function, executive function, language, and behavior. Seizures in the frontal lobe can present with focal dysfunction and can rapidly spread into generalized events. Frontal lobe seizures can result from secondary insult or can be the manifestation of a genetic mutation. The spectrum of presentations can make diagnosing frontal lobe seizures challenging; this is particularly germane when they are primarily nonmotor, e.g., ictal panic or autonomic dysfunction or altered behavior. In these cases, there is the risk of misdiagnosing them as a psychiatric disorder. History, physical, and vectored diagnostic testing using electroencephalography and advanced neuroimaging can facilitate making the diagnosis.