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 quick breakdown:
- Generalized seizures — Affect both sides of the brain at once. Can cause loss of consciousness and 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 quick breakdown:
- Generalized seizures — Affect both sides of the brain at once. Can cause loss of consciousness and fatigue afterward (called the postictal phase).
- Focal seizures — Start in one specific area of the brain (formerly called partial seizures). About 60% of people with epilepsy have these. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected.
- Unknown seizures — Can't yet be classified as generalized or focal due to limited information. A doctor may be able to reclassify them over time.
- Unclassified seizures — Similar to unknown seizures, these may be reclassified later once more information is available. As one MyEpilepsyTeam member put it, "Since there are so many different types of seizures, another person with epilepsy may not know what it feels like having the type of seizures you have."
Knowing your seizure type can really help guide treatment decisions, so it's always worth discussing any changes in your seizures with your doctor.
August 30
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