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In observation of Epilepsy Awareness Month, I present you with
Seizure Types, A Thread: 
Seizure Types, A Thread:
While there are roughly a dozen different types of epilepsy itself, SEIZURE types are often broken up into 2 categories:
Focal Seizures
Generalized Seizures
Focal Seizures Generalized Seizures
Focal Seizures:
Simple Focal Seizure: affects a small part of the brain. These seizures can cause twitching/change in sensation (ex: strange taste/smell) Complex Focal Seizure: can cause feelings of confusion/haziness. Can result in a temporary inability to respond to questions/direction.
Secondary Generalized Seizure: begins in one part of the brain, but then spreads to both sides of the brain. In other words, the person first has a focal seizure, followed by a generalized seizure.Seizures may last as long as a few minutes.
Generalized Seizures:
Tonic seizures: muscles in the arms/legs/trunk tense up. These usually last less than 20 seconds & often happen during sleep, although those standing during offset may fall. More common in people who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, though this is not always the case.
Atonic seizures: muscles suddenly go limp & the head may lean forward. Those standing during offset may fall. Usually lasts less than 15 seconds, but some may have several in a row. Those w Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome are more likely to experience these.
Myoclonic seizures: this is what a lot of us picture when think “seizure” most of the time. Muscles suddenly jerk as if you’ve been shocked. May start in the same part of the brain as an atonic seizure, & many have both myoclonic & atonic seizures.
Absence/Petit Mal seizures: person seems disconnected from others/unresponsive. May stare blankly into space, eyes may roll back into the head. Usually lasts only a few seconds & the person may not remember having one. Most common in kids under 14.
Keep in mind: Epilepsy isn’t a perfect black & white neurological disorder. Some people will experience only one type of seizure while others will experience many. Some people will have seizures every day, while some will have them once a year. Epilepsy is different for everyone.
