Seizure lingo Types of seizures
Some people may get a warning (aura) beforehand, during most seizures, you're totally unaware of what's going on. Afterwards, there's no memory of what happened. That's why reading about what happens during different types of seizures can be scary. With simple partial seizures, you are totally aware of what's happening and do remember your seizures after.
The more you know, the better you'll feel
Seizures aren't painful, though some people who have simple partial motor seizures may experience muscle or abdominal pain, and they rarely cause brain damage. Knowing about seizures can help you to explain what happens to your friends and family. They can help you to monitor your seizures - instead of being afraid that you'll get hurt. This information helps your doctor to know the facts about your epilepsy and to prescribe the most appropriate treatment for you.
Partial seizures start in one specific part or focal point of the brain.
Simple partial seizures
You may experience unusual sensations or movements while fully conscious, such as:
- Uncontrolled stiffening or jerking of the arms and legs
- An odd taste, smell or pins and needles
- Feeling like you want to throw up
- Intense emotions - like fear, sadness or anger
- A "rising" feeling in your tummy
Complex partial seizures
You are not fully conscious or lose consciousness during these seizures. They usually last from 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Afterwards, you feel confused for a few minutes, have a headache or feel drowsy. You may experience:
- A dreamlike state - be unaware and unresponsive to questioning.
- Unusual, repetitive movements - like picking at your clothes.
Generalized seizures involve the entire brain. A secondarily generalized seizure begins in one part, then spreads throughout the brain.
Tonic-clonic (Grand mal)
You may cry out, fall down, become rigid, and lose consciousness. Your arms and legs may jerk, and breathing may become shallow. You may lose bladder or bowel control, drool or bite your tongue. This seizure lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes. Afterwards, you may feel confused or drowsy, need to sleep or have a headache.
Absence
This brief seizure resembles daydreaming. It happens so fast that it often goes unnoticed. You look like you're not paying attention. If this happens at school, you'll miss information or instructions.
Myoclonic
A sudden startle movement may cause you to drop objects.
Tonic
This seizure usually lasts less than one minute. You may lose consciousness. Your muscles stiffen, but there's no jerking of arms or legs. If you're standing, you may fall to the ground.
Atonic
A sudden drop. Loss of muscle control makes you fall hard to the ground. This seizure lasts a very short time.
Come on, share!
Tell your doctor
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE EPILEPSY, bring this information to your doctor's appointment:
- A detailed description of your seizures:
- - How and when did they start? How long do they last? How often do they happen? How severe are they? What triggers them?
- - What do you experience before and during the seizure? Do you have a warning (aura) before a seizure?
- Your past medical history
- - Any problems at birth, serious infections or head injuries
- Family history of epilepsy or any medical disorders, including seizures
- Any history of drug use
- Your sleep pattern
- - Do you have any trouble sleeping?
Epilepsy? NOT!
Some medical conditions are often mistaken for epilepsy. Ask your doctor, if you're concerned about any of these conditions:
- Dizziness
- Lack of sleep
- Fainting
- Daydreaming
- Sleepwalking or night terrors
- Pseudoseizures (nonepileptic seizures)
- Panic attacks (caused by anxiety)
- Hyperventilation (rapid breathing due to stress)
- Angry outbursts
- Involuntary movements such as tics
- Other movement disorders
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)