Here is a press release from the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

 Epilepsy Foundation Alerts Public to 'Complex Seizures'
 To: Medical Writer
 Contact: Peter van Haverbeke or Miriam Dowtin, 301-459-3700
          both of the Epilepsy Foundation

   LANDOVER, Md., Nov. 19   -- People with epilepsy, along with
most other Americans, are heading out to malls and
shopping areas for the holidays.  Since there are 2.5 million
people with epilepsy in the United States, the possibility of
encountering someone having a seizure at a mall or other public
place is quite high.  But the likelihood of someone recognizing it
as a seizure of responding appropriately is much lower.
   When many people think of epilepsy, they think of convulsive
seizures that cause a person to fall, have muscular jerks, and
become disoriented.  One of the most common types of seizures,
however, doesn't look much like this at all.
   Complex partial seizures usually start with a blank stare
followed by chewing and random actions.  A person appears to be
unaware of his surroundings and may mumble and seem dazed.  
These behaviors, especially when they occur in public, are often
mistaken for drunkenness, drug use, or disorderly conduct.
   Complex partial seizures generally last a few minutes.  It is
important not to restrain the person while the seizure is in
progress unless there is an immediate danger in his or her
surroundings.  Also, since a seizure is a form of altered
consciousness, shouting and verbal instructions are usually
ineffective.
   Instead, the person should be gently guided away from obvious
hazards.  As the person recovers from the seizure, he or she may
still be confused and should be spoken to calmly and reassuringly.
If possible, a helper should stay near until full awareness
returns.
   "The Epilepsy Foundation of America, in the middle of Epilepsy
Awareness Month activities, just thinks people should know that
a seizure does not always look like a seizure," said Foundation
Board member Cheryl Lawson, "But if a seizure is recognized,
help can be given," she added.
   For more information about complex partial seizures and other
seizure types, call the Epilepsy Foundation of America at
800-EFA-1000.  EFA is the nation's leading source of information
about epilepsy.
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