Which of the following describes a complex partial seizure?

A complex partial seizure is characterized by impaired consciousness or awareness. During this type of seizure, the individual may appear awake but is not fully aware of their surroundings or capable of responding normally. This altered consciousness can vary in duration, typically lasting from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. While the person may exhibit some sort of automatic behavior, known as automatism—such as lip-smacking or fumbling—they do not have control over these movements and often cannot recall the event afterwards.

The other options describe different seizure types or features. Rhythmic jerking movements are more indicative of generalized seizures or simple partial seizures, where there is retained awareness. A blank stare may be a feature of absence seizures, which primarily affect awareness without the more complex behaviors seen in complex partial seizures. Lastly, while some seizures can potentially lead to life-threatening situations, complex partial seizures themselves are not always considered life-threatening and usually do not have the same immediate risk as other seizure types, such as tonic-clonic seizures.