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Epilepsy is more properly known as "the epilepsies", as there are dozens of different seizure disorders and syndromes in the International Classification. Most basically, however, epilepsy is classified into either Generalized or Partial seizures. In people younger than age 40, about 50% of new cases of epilepsy are generalized seizures, and 50% are partial.
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What are Partial Seizures?
Partial seizures begin in one place in the brain, called the seizure focus, and affect only part of the brain. Depending on where they start and which parts of the brain they involve, partial seizures may or may not alter consciousness or awareness. |
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What are Generalized Seizures?
In generalized seizures, abnormal excessive electricity occurs throughout the whole brain at once, with no apparent focal point of onset or warning beforehand. Generalized seizures alter consciousness. They can be convulsive or non-convulsive. |
What are Simple Partial Seizures?
Partial seizures that do not alter consciousness are called "simple partial seizures". They used to be known as "focal" seizures because they occur in only a small part of the brain (the focus). The person having the seizure is aware of what is happening. A simple partial seizure usually lasts only a short time. This type of seizure is also known as an "aura" because it often serves as a warning that a bigger seizure will follow.
Simple partial seizures vary widely from person to person, depending on where in their brain an individual's seizure focus is located. These seizures consist of an unusual emotion, sensation, or movement.
For example, if the abnormal electrical burst occurs in a specific part of the brain responsible for vision, the simple partial seizure will consist of seeing flashing lights. If it is on the brain's sensory strip, the person will experience a tingling arm or leg; on the motor strip, their limb will jerk. Some people experience an overwhelming emotion like fear or dread from yet another part of their brain, or smell an unpleasant odour.
What are Complex Partial Seizures?
Complex partial seizures involve deep, central structures of the brain controlling consciousness, so awareness is altered or lost. These used to be known as psychomotor or temporal lobe seizures, because they commonly occur in the brain's temporal or frontal lobes. The brain functions located in these lobes are as complex as the seizures beginning there.
A complex partial seizure may begin as a simple partial seizure (like a funny feeling or emotion) before it spreads to areas of the brain controlling awareness, or it may begin without warning with an alteration in consciousness. With this loss of awareness, the person having a complex partial seizure typically stares blankly, and performs automatic, unconsciously repeated movements, such as lip smacking, picking at one's clothes, and wandering around, aimless and confused. These movements are called automatisms. During the seizure, the person's ability to speak, understand and respond is usually affected.
This is a very common type of seizure, although the general public does often not recognize it as epilepsy. People having a complex partial seizure are sometimes treated as if they are drunk or high on drugs, and are often mishandled.
What is an Aura?
An aura is another name for a simple partial seizure. It often serves as a warning that a bigger seizure will follow.
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