Seizures are grouped into four main classes based on where they start in the brain, the level of awareness during the seizure, and whether they involve physical movements or other observable symptoms.
Here's a breakdown of each type:
- Generalized seizures — Affect both sides of the brain at the same time. They can cause loss Show Full Answer
Seizures are grouped into four main classes based on where they start in the brain, the level of awareness during the seizure, and whether they involve physical movements or other observable symptoms.
Here's a breakdown of each type:
- Generalized seizures — Affect both sides of the brain at the same time. They can cause loss of consciousness and are often followed by fatigue (called the postictal phase). Tonic-clonic seizures (previously called grand mal seizures) fall into this category.
- Focal seizures — Start in one specific area of the brain. About 60% of people with epilepsy experience these. Symptoms vary widely depending on which part of the brain is affected, and awareness may or may not be impaired. These were previously called partial seizures.
- Unknown-onset seizures — These are hard to classify because there isn't enough information about how they begin. As one MyEpilepsyTeam member shared, it sometimes takes an EEG recorded *during* a seizure to figure out what type it is.
- Unclassified seizures — Similar to unknown-onset, these may eventually be reclassified once more information is available. Seizures can also involve different kinds of symptoms:
Motor symptoms may include:
- Jerking or twitching movements
- Muscle stiffness or limpness
- Teeth clenching
- Rapid eye movements
- Repetitive motions like lip smacking or blinking
Non-motor symptoms can be less obvious and may include changes in emotions, sensations, or awareness.
It's also worth knowing that some people experience more than one type of seizure. Keeping track of your seizure patterns and any triggers can be really helpful when working with your doctor to find the best treatment plan.
August 17
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