Epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, is a medical condition which causes seizures, abnormal electrical surges in the brain that affect both mental and physical functions. A variety of seizure types exist, each causing their own set of symptoms ranging from a blank stare to a loss of consciousness.
Partial Seizures
Doctors divide partial seizures into two groups--simple and complex. These are the most common seizures persons with epilepsy experience, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, and the electrical disturbance takes place on one side of the brain.
Simple partial seizures are further divided into four categories depending on the symptoms they produce; they may affect the muscles, senses, bodily functions or feelings. They typically last 90 seconds and no loss of consciousness occurs. The most common symptoms include twitching of the muscles, weakness and unusual smells or tastes. Visual changes are also common, and muscular symptoms may spread from one area of the body to another.
Complex partial seizures last between one and two minutes. Consciousness may be altered, although a complete loss of consciousness does not occur. For instance, the person may wander, walk in a circle or sit and stand repeatedly without realizing what is happening. The symptoms are similar to those of simple partial, however in addition the person may hallucinate, laugh uncontrollably or experience feelings of deja vu, according to the NeurologyChannel.
Absence Seizures
Also know as petit mal, an absence seizure falls under the category of generalized seizures, which means it affects both sides of the brain. The average length of time for an absence seizure is 10 seconds, however it can last as long as 20 seconds, according to Epilepsy.com. During this seizure, the person will stop any activity he is performing briefly as he stares blankly. Once the seizure ends, he will resume his activity as if nothing is wrong. The Epilepsy Foundations states that during his seizure, his eyes may flutter; he may also smack his lips and pick at his clothes. This type of seizure is more common in children than adults.
Myoclonic Seizures
Another type of generalized seizure, myoclonic seizures cause brief twitching or jerking movements of the person's body, each twitch lasting no more than a second or two according to Epilepsy.com. One twitch may occur, or several may take place within a short period of time. Myoclonic seizures do not cause any loss of consciousness, however they can result in the person falling to the floor or dropping whatever she may be holding at the time. They typically involve both sides of the body--generally the upper half--although the Epilepsy Foundation states they may involve a foot on occasion.
Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal)
The most severe of all generalized seizures, grand mal seizures cause a complete loss of consciousness, involve the entire body and may last from two to five minutes. The person may yell or cry just prior to the start of the seizure, and once on the floor, his body will stiffen and begin shaking (convulsing). In some cases his eyes will roll back, he will begin drooling and he will lose control of his bladder. Due to the clamping of his jaw, he may even bite the sides of his tongue.
Once the seizure ends, it will take a few minutes for him to regain consciousness, at which time he will be disoriented and confused. He will not realize at first that a seizure occurred, and once this confusion clears, he will be tired and the muscles of his body will be sore. Many who suffer from this seizure sleep for many hours following the incident due to these side effects.
