Epilepsy, also called seizure disorder, describes a condition of recurrent unprovoked seizures. Seizures occur when nerves on the brain produce a sudden and strong surge of electrical impulses. Unprovoked seizures include those that occur without a clear cause such as alcohol withdrawal, heart problems or low blood sugar. Epilepsy, which includes many different types, affects nearly 3 million people in the United States, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Temporal lobe epilepsy specifies that type of epilepsy characterized by seizures which occur in the temporal lobe in the brain. The temporal lobe, one of the four lobes of the cerebrum, is associated with auditory processing, speech, memory and emotions. Seizures occurring in this region of the brain range from mild to severe and cause strong feelings of fear, pleasure or unreality. Those who experience temporal lobe seizures also describe odd smells, strange abdominal sensations and feelings of déjà vu, as described by the New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
The frontal lobe of the brain occupies the front portion of the cerebrum. The frontal lobe is associated with decision making, planning and voluntary muscle movement. In addition, the frontal lobe processes speech, smells and emotions. The frontal lobe of the brain is large, making the symptoms of frontal lobe epilepsy varied. When seizures affect areas in charge of motor control, abnormal movements on the opposite side of the body occur. Those with frontal lobe seizures often exhibit automatisms--repetitive motions such as lip-smacking, says the New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, speech impairments, laughing, crying and confusion.
Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy begins in childhood and progresses over time to more frequent and more intense seizures. Progressive myoclonic epilepsy, also called Laflora disease, is an inherited condition which causes sensitivity to light, visual hallucinations, weakness, unsteadiness and speech impairments. Those who suffer from progressive myoclonic epilepsy often die within 10 years of the onset of disease due to neurological deterioration, according to "Gene Reviews" by Drs. Jansen and Andermann.
Perietal Lobe Epilepsy
Parietal lobe epilepsy, a rare form of the disease, occurs when seizures originate in the parietal lobe of the brain, says the New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. The parietal lobe functions in the sense of touch, spatial reasoning, relationship recognition, visual perception and language. Seizures in this area cause sensations such as numbness, tingling and pain, vertigo, visual disturbances and speech impairments.
Occipital Lobe Epilepsy
Occipital lobe epilepsy affects the back portion of the brain responsible for visual processing. This type of seizure therefore causes visual hallucinations, sensation of flickering lights and rapid blinking which can lead to nausea and vomiting. This type of seizure is often mistaken for migraine headaches, according to New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
Primary Generalized Epilepsy
Primary generalized epilepsy describes the seizures which occur due to an unknown cause and do not originate in a single area of the brain.
Idiopathic Partial Epilepsy
Idiopathic partial epilepsy produces partial seizures, those in which memory and consciousness are not lost, due to an unknown cause.
Symptomatic Generalized Epilepsy
Symptomatic Generalized epilepsy is often caused by an underlying neurological disease and produce a combination of generalized and partial seizures.
Reflex Epilepsy
Reflex epilepsy described a condition in which seizures occur due to environmental stimuli, such as flashing lights, church bells or even the sound of a specific person's voice. The seizures may be generalized or partial.
