Kinds of Seizures

There are many types of seizures. Experts generally put seizures into two categories: primary generalized and partial. Primary seizures begin with a widespread electrical discharge simultaneously involving both sides of the brain. Hereditary factors are pointed to in many of these seizures. Partial seizures begin with an electrical discharge in one limited area of the brain. Head injury or stroke are factors in some of these seizures.

Absence Seizures

• Absence or petit mal seizures are primary seizures and usually last for about 10 seconds. These involve brief staring episodes during which awareness and responsiveness are impaired. After an episode, most people don't even realize they just experienced a seizure. With absence seizures there are no warning signs. Those affected are usually between the ages of 4 and 14.

Simple Seizures

• Simple seizures are partial seizures that usually last less than two minutes. People diagnosed with simple seizures don't always have the same symptoms, as their symptoms depend on where in the brain the electrical charge is occurring. When this type of seizure is occurring the person will remain alert and can remember what happened. There are different simple seizures: motor (causes changes in muscle activity), sensory (any of the senses may undergo a change), autonomic (affects the part of the nervous system that controls bodily functions) and psychic (changes how people think, feel and experience things). Anyone can get simple seizures.

Atypical Absence Seizures

• Atypical absence seizures are primary seizures that last for about five to 30 seconds. Those experiencing an atypical absence seizure will stare but often are somewhat responsive. Their behavior will be only slightly different than normal. They also might experience blinking or a slight jerking of the lips. These seizures usually occur before age 6. According to epilepsy.com, most children who have atypical absence seizures have below-average intelligence and other types of seizures that are hard to control. Atypical seizures are common for those suffering from the epilepsy syndrome called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Complex Seizures

• Complex seizures are partial seizures that last from about 30 seconds to two minutes. These start in a small area of the temporal lobe or frontal lobe of the brain and involve other areas of the brain that affect awareness and alertness. Those who suffer from complex seizures may not realize they had a seizure. Frontal-lobe seizures tend to be shorter than temporal-lobe seizures and may trigger such physical actions as pelvic thrusting. Anybody can get complex seizures.

Atonic Seizures

• Atonic seizures are primary seizures that last less than 15 seconds. They cause muscles to suddenly lose strength, though the person usually remains conscious. Examples are drooping eyelids, head nods, or when someone accidentally drops something or falls down. Atonic seizures are also called "drop attacks" or "drop seizures." These seizures usually surface during childhood.

Tonic Seizures

• Tonic seizures are primary seizures that most often occur during sleep and last less than 20 seconds. They increase muscle tension, which causes the body, arms or legs to suddenly stiffen. Victims usually remain conscious. Tonic seizures are also called grand mal seizures. Anyone can get tonic seizures but they are common for people suffering from the Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy syndrome.