Generalized, partial, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are the three general types of seizures. Generalized and partial seizures are differentiated by the location of the abnormal brain activity or lack of it, and the person's awareness during the seizure. During a generalized seizure, which includes grand mal, petit mal, and other subtypes, both sides of the brain send out a cascade of abnormal electrical impulses, and the individual loses consciousness. Partial seizures occur when abnormal activity is localized to one area of the brain and attention is classified as simple or complex. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are psychological in nature and can be triggered by stress.
A grand mal, or tonic-clonic, is one of the most dramatic types of seizures. During this type of generalized attack, a person loses consciousness and collapses. In the tonic part of the seizure, the body stiffens and stays that way for 30-60 seconds. This may be followed by the clonic part of the seizure, where the rigidity is replaced by uncontrollable jerking. The incident can last from one to five minutes.
While unconscious, there may be loss of bowel or bladder control, clenching of the jaw, or difficulty breathing. Sometimes the skin turns blue. Extreme fatigue almost always follows a grand mal seizure.
Minor seizures are also known as absence seizures and can easily be mistaken for inattention. In a generalized petit mal seizure, the individual abruptly stops activity and stares for several seconds. When the seizure ends, he resumes what he was doing and may not even be aware that a seizure has occurred. Minor seizures can occur randomly during the day or at night.
Other generalized types of seizures include myoclonic, clonic, tonic, and atonic. Myoclonic seizures cause loss of consciousness and sudden, sporadic jerks on one side of the body. When both sides of the body are involved, it is a clonic seizure. During a tonic seizure, there is loss of consciousness and the body becomes very rigid. An atonic seizure causes a loss of consciousness and muscle tone.
While experiencing a simple partial seizure, the person remains awake and aware of their surroundings, but is unable to control their body. Simple partial seizures can cause motor, autonomic, sensory, or psychological symptoms. Movements such as jerking, stiffness, muscle spasms, or uncontrollable head turning often occur during a simple motor seizure. Autonomic seizures affect body functions outside of a person's conscious control. Symptoms may include a racing heart, loss of bladder control, upset stomach, or diarrhea.
If one or more of the senses are affected, the person has a simple partial sensory seizure. You may have particularly acute hearing or an altered sense of smell or sight. During the simple psychological seizure, memory or emotional disturbances may occur. The individual may experience a strong sense of deja vu or may suddenly be overcome by strong emotions.
A complex partial seizure impairs consciousness and causes involuntary but coordinated movements. Movements may include fidgeting, chewing, or lip smacking. Sometimes what starts as a partial seizure turns into a generalized seizure.
Non-epileptic psychogenic seizures appear similar to epileptic seizures, but are not caused by abnormal brain activity. PNES can be caused by stress or other triggers. This type of attack is usually seen in young women who may also have major depression or an anxiety disorder. Those with this type of seizure are not "faking it" for attention. With treatment, many people are able to gain some control over the different types of seizures and lead normal lives.