Common Seizure Types

Generalized Onset – Tonic Clonic

Previously Known as Grand Mal

These seizures start with a loud sound from air forced out of the diaphragm, followed by body stiffening (tonic phase) and convulsions (clonic phase). They may include drooling, tongue biting, vomiting, or loss of bowel or bladder control. The seizures typically last 1 to 3 minutes, involve loss of consciousness, and are followed by confusion.

Generalized Onset – Absense

Previously Known as Petite Mal

These seizures look like a staring spell that typically lasts a few seconds, and are often mistaken for daydreaming. They may include blinking or chewing movements and cause a loss of consciousness.

Focal Onset – Aware

Simple Partial

During these seizures the person stays conscious and aware. Depending on where it occurs in the brain, they may have jerking of body parts, hallucinations, or unusual smells or tastes, which may not be obvious to others.

Atonic

Drop Attack

When experiencing this seizure type, the person’s body becomes limp, and if standing, they may fall. These seizures usually last about 15 seconds.

Myoclonic

These seizures are sudden, brief muscle spasms in part or all of the body. These short episodes can be mistaken for tics, tremors, or clumsiness.