The diagnosis of epilepsy depends upon a number of factors, particularly detailed and accurate
seizure history, or semiology. Other diagnostic data, consisting of electroencephalography (EEG), videomonitoring
of the seizures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are important in any comprehensive
epilepsy program, particularly with respect to lateralizing and localizing the seizure focus, if such a focus
exists, and with respect to determining the type of seizure or seizure syndrome. The aim of this chapter is to
present a survey of important semiologic characteristics of various seizures that provide the historian with
observations, which help to lateralize and localize epileptic zones. Clinical semiology is the starting point of
understanding a seizure disorder and making the diagnosis of epilepsy. While it may not provide
unequivocal evidence of localization of the epileptic focus, nevertheless it usually directs subsequent
investigations, whose concordance is necessary for the ultimate localization.
Keywords: Seizure, Epilepsy, Preictal, Ictus, Postictal, Aura, Occipital, Semiology, Conciousness,
Awareness, Frontal, Temporal, Parietal.
