Types of Seizures

Generalized Seizures

All areas of the brain (the cortex) are involved in a generalized seizure. Sometimes these are referred to as grand mal seizures.

1. The person experiencing such a seizure may cry out or make some sound, stiffen for several seconds to a minute and then have rhythmic movements of the arms and legs. Often the rhythmic movements slow before stopping.
2. Eyes are generally open.
3. The person may appear to not be breathing and actually turn blue. This may be followed by a period of deep, noisy breathes.
4. sThe return to consciousness is gradual and the person may be confused for quite some time - minutes to hours.
5. Loss of urine is common.
6. The person will frequently be confused after a generalized seizure.

Partial or Focal Seizures

Only part of the brain is involved, so only part of the body is affected. Depending on the part of the brain having abnormal electrical activity, symptoms may vary.

1. If the part of the brain controlling movement of the hand is involved, then only the hand may show rhythmic or jerky movements.
2. If other areas of the brain are involved, symptoms might include strange sensations like a full feeling in the stomach or small repetitive movements such as picking at one's clothes or smacking of the lips.
3. Sometimes the person with a partial seizure appears dazed or confused. This may represent a complex partial seizure. The term complex is used by doctors to describe a person who is between being fully alert and unconscious.

Absence or petit mal seizures:

These are most common in childhood.

1. Impairment of consciousness is present with the person often staring blankly.
2. Repetitive blinking or other small movements may be present.
3. Typically, these seizures are brief, lasting only seconds. Some people may have many of these in a day