Epilepsy Symptoms

Almost any type of behavior that happens repetitively may represent a seizure.

• Generalized seizures: All areas of the brain (the cortex) are involved in a generalized seizure. Sometimes these are referred to as grand mal seizures.
  
  
  
  
  • To the observer, the person experiencing such a seizure may cry out or make some sound, stiffen for some seconds, then have rhythmic movements of the arms and legs. Often the rhythmic movements slow before stopping.
    
    
    
    
  • Eyes are generally open.
    
    
    
    
  • The person may not appear to be breathing. The person is often breathing deeply after an episode.
    
    
    
    
  • The return to consciousness is gradual and should occur within a few moments.
    
    
    
    
  • Loss of urine is common.
    
    
    
    
  • Often people will be confused briefly after a generalized seizure.
  
  
  
• Partial or focal seizures: Only part of the brain is involved, so only part of the body is affected. Depending on the part of the brain having abnormal electrical activity, symptoms may vary.
  
  
  
  
  • If the part of the brain controlling movement of the hand is involved, for example, then perhaps only the hand may show rhythmic movements or jerking.
    
    
    
    
  • If other areas of the brain are involved, symptoms might include strange sensations or small repetitive movements such as picking at clothes or lip smacking.
    
    
    
    
  • Sometimes the person with a partial seizure appears dazed or confused. This may represent a partial complex seizure. The term complex is used by doctors to describe a person who is between being fully alert and unconscious.
  
  
  
• Absence or petit mal seizures: These are most common in childhood.
  
  
  
  
  • Impairment of consciousness is present with the person often staring blankly.
    
    
    
    
  • Repetitive blinking or other small movements may be present.
    
    
    
    
  • Typically, these seizures are brief, lasting only seconds. Some people may have many of these in a day.
    
    
    
    
  • Other seizure types exist particularly in very small children.