5 types of seizures you need to know about

Seizures are a neurological disorder that affect millions of people worldwide. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements and sensations.

There are many types of seizures, each with its own distinct characteristics and symptoms. In this article, we discuss the five types of seizures you need to know about.

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Types of seizures and their characteristics

Seizures and its types (Image via Pexels)

Here are five types:

1) Absence seizure

Also known as petit mal seizures, they're a type of seizure that often occurs in children.

It's characterized by a sudden loss of awareness or consciousness, which can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. During an absence seizure, the person may appear to be staring blankly into space and may not respond to external stimuli.

2) Tonic seizure

It causes sudden stiffening of the muscles. This seizure can occur in any part of the body, but it often affects the arms, legs and back. Tonic seizures can last for several seconds or minutes and can cause the affected person to fall or lose their balance.

3) Clonic seizure

It causes repetitive, jerking movements in the muscles. This seizure often affects the arms, legs and face and can last for several minutes. During a clonic seizure, the person may lose consciousness and experience confusion and disorientation after the seizure.

4) Myoclonic seizure

It causes sudden, brief jerks or twitches in the muscles. This seizure can affect any part of the body and may occur in clusters or independently. Myoclonic seizures can be triggered by various factors, including sleep deprivation, stress and drug use.

5) Tonic-clonic seizure

Aso known as grand mal seizures, it affects both sides of the brain. This seizure is characterized by sudden loss of consciousness, followed by muscle stiffness (tonic phase) and rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). Tonic-clonic seizures can last for several minutes and can cause the person to lose bladder or bowel control.

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Seizures can occur in different forms, each with its distinct symptoms and characteristics.

It's important to understand the types of seizures to know how to identify them and provide the necessary care to affected individuals. If you or someone you know experiences seizures, seek medical attention immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.