Seizures and Their Types refer to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, categorized into generalized, focal, and unknown onset seizures.
What is a Seizure?
- A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness.
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Classification of Seizures
- Seizures are broadly classified into:
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Focal (Partial) Seizures
- Begin in one hemisphere of the brain.
- Can be aware or impaired awareness.
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Types:
| Type | Description |
| Focal Aware Seizure (Simple Partial) | Consciousness preserved; symptoms depend on brain area involved (e.g., motor, sensory, visual). |
| Focal Impaired Awareness Seizure (Complex Partial) | Impaired consciousness or awareness; may have automatisms (e.g., lip-smacking, fumbling). |
| Focal to Bilateral Tonic-Clonic | Starts as focal and spreads to both hemispheres, causing a generalized seizure. |
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Generalized Seizures
- Involve both hemispheres of the brain from the onset.
- Impaired consciousness is usually present.
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Types:
| Type | Description |
| Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) | Stiffening (tonic) + rhythmic jerking (clonic); post-ictal confusion. |
| Absence (Petit Mal) | Brief loss of awareness, staring spells; common in children; no post-ictal state. |
| Myoclonic | Sudden, brief jerks or twitches of muscles; consciousness usually preserved. |
| Tonic | Sudden stiffening of muscles, usually during sleep. |
| Clonic | Rhythmic jerking movements; rarer on its own. |
| Atonic (Drop Attacks) | Sudden loss of muscle tone; causes collapse or head drops. |
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Unknown Onset Seizures
- When the beginning of the seizure is not observed or clear.
- Later may be classified as focal or generalized upon further investigation.
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