Focal seizure classification should only occur if the seizure is a focal epileptic seizure and epilepsy imitators have been excluded. Focal seizure classification is undertaken at two levels. The seizure is first classified according to level of awareness, as this is of critical importance for safety and independence in day to day life. If awareness is impaired at any point in the seizure, the seizure is a focal impaired awareness seizure. Because the first symptom/sign of the seizure is the most useful feature for identification of the regional brain network in which the seizure arises, focal onset seizures are also classified by their initial onset feature, even if this is not the most prominent feature overall in the seizure.