Seizures are abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. A variety of seizures exist, from simple partial to tonic-clonic, with each falling into one of two categories---partial or primary generalized. Each type of seizure is unique in the way it begins and ends, and in the physical symptoms it produces.
Simple Partial Seizures
According to Epilepsy.com, simple partial seizures differ from person to person, depending on where the seizure occurs in the brain. Sufferers of these seizures, however, typically experience an awareness of having the seizures, which last less than 2 minutes. These seizures can be broken down into one of three categories, depending on the symptoms.
If your seizures are sensory, you will experience changes in your senses. You can smell or taste things that don't exist, see things that aren't there or hear a clear voice as being muffled. You might feel as though you're being poked with pins or a feel as if you're numb.
During an autonomic seizure, your bodily functions are affected. According to the Neurologychannel.com, you may suffer from nausea and vomiting, lose control over your bladder or notice your heart rate increase.
Psychic seizures affect your emotions. You may feel sudden emotional changes such as unexplained fear, happiness, anger or depression, or experience a feeling of deja vu.
Complex Partial Seizures
A complex partial seizure will cause a loss of consciousness and a memory lapse. These seizures last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, with resulting fatigue and confusion that can linger for hours following the event.
While you are unconscious, you may have a frightened look on your face. You might begin chewing as if something is in your mouth or move your fingers or hands repetitively. According to the Neurologychannel.com, if you suffer from complex partial seizures over a long period of time, you can lose postural tone and suffer from drop attacks, falling suddenly into a state of unconsciousness.
Myoclonic Seizures
A myoclonic seizure is a brief jerking motion, lasting for 1 to 2 seconds. It can affect one muscle or a group of muscles, and be characterized by one motion or a series of jerking motions over the course of several minutes. Myoclonic seizures occur suddenly and affect both sides of the body simultaneously. You may drop to the ground if the seizure is too sudden, or drop whatever is in your hands at the time. These typically occur when you first wake up, and in most cases, occur in combination with various epileptic syndromes.
Tonic-clonic Seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures are also known as grand-mal seizures and typically last between 1 and 3 minutes. During this seizure, you will lose consciousness and usually fall to the ground if you are not sitting in a safe area. The tonic phase causes all your muscles to become rigid as you convulse. Your eyes may roll back, drooling may occur as well as loss of bladder control. Your jaw will clench, during which time you may bite the sides of your tongue.
The clonic phase is when your muscles begin to relax and you become alert again. Initially you may be confused; however, this period should only last for about 5 minutes before you become aware of your surroundings again. It is normal for your muscles to be weak and to be tired afterward. You may also sleep for the remainder of the day or night, depending on when you have the seizure.
