Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, resulting in seizures from abnormal electrical impulses in the brain. Although seizures are the most common epilepsy symptom, not everyone who has seizures has epilepsy. Epilepsy often occurs for an unknown reason, but may also be caused by an injury to the brain or brain damage sustained from stroke, an infection or dementia.
About Seizure Symptoms
Epilepsy symptoms may vary widely based on the type of seizure that occurs, but most people tend to experience similar seizures and symptoms. Seizures are, however, the main symptom of epilepsy. If you have persistent seizures, see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment for epilepsy.
Petit Mal Seizures
Petit mal seizures are smaller, less severe seizures that may involve staring blankly, or sudden and temporary loss of speech. People may just stop moving, or they may move their hands strangely, move their eyelids, start chewing or smacking their lips. These seizures typically only last a few minutes, with no memory or side effects of the seizure afterward.
Grand Mal Seizures
Grand mal seizures, also called generalized tonic-clinic seizures, are more severe than petit mal seizures. These seizures can leave people completely unconscious, and also result in severe convulsions. People may also have difficulty breathing and lose control of their bladders or bowels. Symptoms following the grand mal seizure include confusion, fatigue and headache.
Partial Seizures
Also called focal seizures, partial seizures don't usually cause loss of consciousness or memory of the seizure. These seizures do cause muscles to contract, but it's generally only one side of the body rather than the entire body. Another sign is repetitive movements like hand gestures, swallowing or chewing.
