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Seizure & Epilepsy Types

There are about 30 different types of seizures and over 60 different types of epilepsy. It’s important for patients to ask their neurologists what type of seizures they are experiencing and what type of epilepsy is suspected. While most people are familiar with tonic-clonic or “grand mal” seizures, there are many types which are more subtle and can be easily confused with other conditions or behaviors. This can lead to misunderstanding or inappropriate reactions by onlookers and can also delay necessary diagnosis and treatment.

Three Major Groups of Seizures

Common Types of Seizures

The following are some of the more common types of seizures:
  • Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure (formerly called grand mal): sudden fall and period of rigidity followed by muscle jerks, shallow breathing, pale or bluish skin, and possible vomiting or loss of bowel or bladder control; usually lasts a couple of minutes; normal breathing and complexion return promptly; some confusion and/or fatigue may occur, followed by a return of full consciousness.
  • Generalized Absence Seizure (formerly called petit mal): most common in children; looks like a blank stare; lasts for only a few seconds; may be accompanied by rapid blinking or chewing movements; person will be unaware of what happened during seizure, but will quickly return to full consciousness once the seizure has stopped; seizures often occur frequently throughout the day; atypical absence seizures begin and end more gradually and may last a bit longer; absence seizures may be mistaken for ADHD, behavior problems, or learning disabilities.
  • Atonic Seizure: sudden loss of muscle tone that may cause a drop of the head or fall to the ground; if consciousness is lost, the person usually regains it promptly with little or no confusion; typically lasts less than 15 seconds; because people with these seizures fall so suddenly, many have to wear helmets.
  • Tonic Seizure: sudden stiffening of the body, which may cause a fall if standing; most often occurs during sleep; if consciousness is lost, the person usually regains it promptly with little or no confusion; typically lasts less than 20 seconds
  • Myoclonic Seizure: sudden, involuntary, brief, shock-like bodily jerk caused by contractions of one or more muscles or muscle groups; often occur in clusters
  • Focal Impaired Awareness Seizure (Complex Partial Seizure): usually starts with blank stare, followed by chewing, walking about, random movements, vocalizations, picking at clothing, or other actions that the individual cannot control (automatisms); person is unresponsive and awareness of surroundings is clouded; usually lasts 1-2 minutes; person will have no memory of what happened during the seizure and may be confused for several minutes after the seizure has stopped; in some cases, complex partial seizures may simply look like prolonged absence seizures; may be mistaken for mental illness, drug use, intoxication, aggression, or behavior problems.
  • Focal Aware Seizure (Simple Partial Seizure): person is fully aware during the seizure; may involve jerking or other body movements, sensory distortions or hallucinations, unusual physical or emotional feelings, changes in bodily functions, or other symptoms that are not obvious to the onlooker; referred to as an aura if it precedes another seizure
  • Focal to Bilateral Tonic-Clonic Seizure (Secondarily Generalized Seizure): seizure that begins in one part of the brain and spreads to both sides of the brain to become a tonic-clonic seizure

What should I do if someone has a seizure?

It’s very important to provide the proper Seizure First Aid. Learn more about Seizure First Aid and become certified today.

How do I find a doctor?

The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan can assist you in finding the appropriate level of care to treat your epilepsy. Learn more about how to find a neurologist, epileptologist, or Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in Michigan.

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