Seizures can either be generalized (affecting both sides of the brain) or focal (located or beginning in one small part of the brain). Because seizures can affect different parts and functions of the brain, they don’t all appear the same or have the same long-term consequences.
Take, for example, the hippocampus. This part of the brain is a bit like a highly efficient receptionist. It receives new information, and if it seems valuable, it sends it off to the relevant area of the brain for long-term storage.
When you need that information again, the hippocampus goes to fetch it for you. Seizures that affect this part of the brain can make it more difficult for you to store and retrieve information, even if the areas of the brain that usually store the information are unaffected.
Certain areas of the brain, namely Broca’s area, and Wernicke’s area, are responsible for speech and language. If seizures originate in or affect these areas of your brain, you may have difficulty accessing or understanding certain words.
