Seizure is a general term which means too many brain cells become excited simultaneously. According to Dr. Robert S. Fisher, there are so many types of seizures that neurologists are still trying to classify them. There are two main types, generalized seizures and partial seizures. The difference between them is in how they begin. In a generalized seizure there is a widespread electrical discharge which involves both sides of the brain. Partial seizures begin with the seizure taking place in one limited area of the brain.
General seizures are tonic-clonic (formerly known as grand mal), and are what most people think of when they hear the word seizure. The person will stiffen and lose consciousness (tonic phase), then they may begin to jerk (clonic phase). These types of seizures can have both tonic-clonic phases, or each one individually. Another type of seizure is called absence seizures and when this happens a person disconnects from their surroundings for several seconds. There are also myoclonic seizures in which the person begins jerking, but only for a few seconds.
Partial seizures are divided into two categories: simple and complex seizures. Simple partial seizures look at whether or not awareness is preserved, memory is preserved, and consciousness is preserved. If they all are, then the seizure is simple partial. If any of these are not preserved, then the seizure is considered complex partial. Partial seizures are sometimes associated with an aura.
What is an Aura?
An aura can occur several seconds or minutes before a seizure, although some people have noted having them a day or longer before a seizure. An aura is a warning signal that a seizure is about to happen. If the seizure is going to occur in the temporal lobe, a person may experience unusual feeling, abnormal sensations, or forced thinking.
The beginning of a complex partial seizure can give a person deja vu (a familiar feeling) or jamais vu (an unfamiliar feeling). Some people experience sounds, tastes, distorted visions, racing thoughts, and smells. Others can experience physical sensations such as dizziness, headaches, lightheadedness, numbness, and upset stomach. Other people who experience auras have said they feel a tingling sensation rising up their body. Distorted emotions such as fear and panic can be a warning. Some complex partial seizures can occur without any type of warning. It is important to get more information if you or someone you love experiences seizures.
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