Classification of Seizure Types
Generalised
Seizures (seizures that affect the whole brain)
Absence
Seizures
Absence seizures mostly affect children of primary school
age and consist of brief (up to 30 seconds) periods of loss
of awareness which may happen many times a day. The child
appears to stare vacantly, the eyes may flutter or turn upwards.
The child is unaware of his/her surroundings, but recovery
is prompt. Absence seizures are often mistaken for daydreaming
or lack of concentration and can disrupt learning by creating
gaps in information received.
Tonic–clonic
Seizures
Tonic–clonic seizures are recognised by a sudden
loss of consciousness, the body stiffens (tonic phase) quickly
followed by general muscle jerking (clonic phase). Breathing
may appear difficult and the person may bite the tongue. The
seizure ends when the jerking stops, muscles relax and normal
breathing returns. Tonic–clonic seizures usually last
1–3 minutes, seldom longer. There may be a period of
confusion after the seizure and the person may want to sleep.
Myoclonic
Seizures*
Myoclonic seizures are uncontrolled muscle jerks. These
seizures usually occur soon after waking or before going to
bed when the person is tired. As a generalised seizure a loss
of consciousness occurs but it is very brief and hardly noticeable.
Tonic
Seizures*
Tonic seizures are generalized seizures causing the muscles
to stiffen and if the person is standing they will fall quite
heavily to the floor. This type of seizure often causes head
injury and it is advisable for the person to wear a protective
helmet to avoid constant injury.
Atonic
Seizures*
This form of seizure activity can be characterised by
a sudden and very brief loss of ability to stand or sit upright.
Usually the person nods his head, slumps forward, or actually
falls to the floor motionless. After the seizure the person
may seem a little disorientated for a few seconds. They can
be called “drop attacks”.
Partial Seizures (seizures that
occur in just one part of the brain)
Simple
Partial Seizures*
The symptoms the person experiences will depend on the
function that part of the brain controls. The person remains
fully conscious throughout the seizure.
This
type of seizure may begin with a stiffening or twitching of
an arm or leg or the person may lose the ability to speak.
This type of seizure usually lasts for less than a minute
and then the person recovers.
Complex
Partial Seizures
Complex partial seizures vary widely. Often there is
a loss or distorted awareness of surroundings. Inappropriate
actions such as chewing movements and fiddling with clothing
or aimless wandering may occur. After the seizure there may
be a short period of confusion.
Note:
It is not unusual for people to have more than one type of
seizure.
*Reprinted
from Epifile with the permission of Epilepsy Australia
August 2002
This
information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South
Australia and Northern Territory Inc on the Internet is designed
to provide basic information about epilepsy. It is not intended,
nor does it constitute medical or other professional advice.
Diagnosis and advice on medical care or other assessments
should be sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified
professional.
