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Epilepsy is a disorder that causes disruption of electrical signals within the brain. The most common symptom associated with epilepsy is uncontrollable movement seizures, but actually any brain function can be affected by an epileptic seizure. Seizures are actually quite common: According to the Mayo Clinic, about one in one hundred Americans have experienced a seizure in their lives. However, one seizure is not grounds for diagnosis of epilepsy. The instances of having more than one seizure are far more rare, and persons who have had more than one seizure are likely to have epilepsy.

Most people don't realize the different types of seizures that can be caused by epilepsy. Seizures can be either partial or generalized. Partial, or focal, seizures begin in one localized area of the brain. Generalized seizures begin in large portions of the brain and affect a range of functions. Here is a rundown of seizure types.

PARTIAL SEIZURES

The first type of partial seizure is the simple partial seizure. This is one of the hardest seizures to detect, because the individual remains conscious throughout the episode. Rather than causing a change in consciousness, the simple partial seizure may change the emotional state of the individual, or change the way something tastes, looks, smells, or feels. It is mainly a sensory or emotional epilepsy symptom.

Complex partial seizures, on the other hand, have an affect on consciousness. The individual may lose cognizance for brief periods. Complex partial seizures are easier to spot than simple partial seizures because the individual may begin to produce involuntary movements including staring, shaking, rubbing hands together, or noise making.

GENERALIZED SEIZURES

Absence seizures are one of the least severe generalized seizures, but they can be serious. True to their name, they involve the mental "absence" of the individual. They may briefly lose cognizance or make slight involuntary movements while staring blankly.

Myoclonic seizures are characterized by sudden jerking movements. There is no rhythm or pattern to a myoclonic seizure, so it is not a throbbing sensation. The myoclonic seizures can occur in any muscle but are most common in the arms and legs.

Atonic seizures can have serious consequences for patients with epilepsy. These are collapse seizures, in which the individual may have temporary paralysis causing him or her to fall down. Epilepsy patients who experience atonic seizures are advised to avoid stairs and other uneven walking surfaces.

The most extreme seizure is the tonic-clonic seizure. These intense episodes usually manifest themselves as complete losses of consciousness in the epilepsy patient. The body will stiffen and begin to shake with great intensity. Often tongue biting and bladder release can occur during a tonic-clonic seizure. Patients who frequently have tonic-clonic seizures are usually required to have a caretaker present at all times to respond to the seizing.

Epilepsy is a fairly common brain disorder that should not be taken lightly. If you have had one seizure, you should see your doctor, but epilepsy can only be officially diagnosed after two or more seizures. With the help of this guide to epilepsy symptoms, hopefully you can give your doctor a detailed description of which seizure types you may have experienced.

Learn more about this author, Shane Hampton.
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