Electric signals in the brain can cause seizures. Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by the occurrence of seizures. The Mayo Clinic indicates that at least two seizures must occur without any explained cause to constitute a diagnosis of epilepsy. Some people experience seizures, but it doesn't necessarily mean they have epilepsy. Regardless of the frequency, treatment for seizures or epilepsy is essential because they can occur at any time. For example, seizures that occur during activities such as driving can be dangerous to the patient and others. Epilepsy symptoms can vary from person to person, but being able to recognize them can prompt adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Cognitive Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of epilepsy are cognitive. These often occur just before a seizure. Some patients experience temporary confusion or loss of concentration. In extreme cases, some patients lose consciousness for a specific period.
Partial Seizure Symptoms
The symptoms associated with seizures vary from patient to patient; however, the Mayo Clinic indicates that symptoms occur similarly each time a seizure occurs. There are two types of seizures: partial and generalized. Partial seizures are those that affect only a specific part of the brain. Partial seizures are described as simple and complex. Simple seizures have no effect on consciousness. Patients who suffer from partial seizures may experience a change in emotions. They may also notice a change in their sense of vision, sound, smell, taste or feeling. Mild symptoms of a partial seizure include tingling, dizziness or the appearance of flashing lights. Moderate partial seizure symptoms include involuntary jerking of the extremities.
Complete partial seizures are seizures that cause unconsciousness. Patients who suffer from complete partial seizures may lose track of time. Some develop a focused gaze and appear to be staring. Patients with partial seizures may exhibit voluntary but nonpurposeful behaviors such as twitching, chewing or swallowing, hand rubbing or pacing.
Generalized Seizure Symptoms
Generalized seizures are those that affect all parts of the brain. There are four types of generalized seizures, each characterized by a distinct symptom. Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are characterized by subtle body movements, staring and a temporary loss of consciousness. Atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks, occur when a patient loses muscle control and collapses suddenly. Myoclonic seizures tend to be more subtle and develop as twitches in the arms or legs. Tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, are the most severe and include symptoms such as loss of consciousness, shaking or stiffening of the body and incontinence.
