What are the main features of different seizure types?
The seizures can be divided into two main types : Generalized and Partial (Focal). The Generalized seizures are characterized by features of involvement of both the halves of the brain (cerebral hemispheres) simultaneously from the onset of attack. They may be tonic-clonic (grand mal), brief absences (petit mal) or even sudden, brief jerks of limbs (myoclonic). Partial (Focal) seizures start in one cerebral hemisphere and the electrical activity does not spread to the other side of the brain. Thus the term “Partial Seizure” means that only some part of the brain is involved. In some partial seizures, consciousness may be retained initially but then the fit may become secondarily generalized and the patient will become unconscious and have a major convulsion. The characteristics of a partial seizure reflect the part of the brain involved, and a wide variety of symptoms may thus occur.
