ABSTRACT
Descriptions of seizures and some of its rare clinical manifestations like ictal psychoses have been found in ancient Babylonian texts as well as in ancient texts from Byzantium, China, India, and in the Bible, among others. The prevalence of active epilepsy is lower in economically developed regions and increases in areas of the world with limited economic resources. The clinical semiology of focal seizures with impaired awareness can present as purposeless repetitive behaviors involving hands, feet, mouth, and tongue, known as simple automatisms, which can be seen in focal seizures involving temporal and frontal structures. The diagnosis of epileptic seizures and its ‘imitators' should be based first and foremost on clinical data obtained from the patient and family members and/or friends that witnessed the events. The widespread availability of smartphones can facilitate the diagnosis, as they can be captured at home, work, or school.
