Is There More Than One Type of Seizure?

Absolutely. There are two major types of seizures. The first type, known as a generalized seizure, begins on both sides of the brain at about the same time. Full “grand mal” convulsions and brief staring episodes are examples of generalized seizures.

The second type, known as a partial seizure, originates in one region of the brain. In a simple partial seizure, the seizure related brain messages remain very localized so that one experiences a feeling, sensation, movement or other symptom without any change in the level of awareness. However, people who experience the most common type of a partial seizure, called a complex partial seizure, may suddenly become confused, fumble, wander or repeat words or phrases. This appears to be due to spread of the seizure to wider areas of the brain. There are also many other less common types of seizures.