Types of Epilepsy Seizures
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 2 million Americans. It is characterized by seizures that cannot be explained by fever or illness. Although there are more than 30 different classifications of seizures, they are divided into two basic categories: focal seizures, sometimes referred to as partial seizures, and generalized seizures.
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Types
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Focal seizures occur in one area of the brain and affect 60% of those with epilepsy. These seizures may be referred to by the part of the brain affected, such as temporal lobe or frontal lobe seizures.
Generalized seizures are the result of seizure activity in both sides of the brain.
Features
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Focal seizures are classified as either simple or complex. In a simple focal seizure the person remains conscious but may experience a wide variety of emotions. The senses of hearing, seeing and taste may also be involved. In a complex focal seizure the person may experience altered consciousness and may behave in unusual or odd ways. His actions may seem automated, and may not make sense in the situation. He may appear to be in a dreamlike state or trance.
Generalized seizures generally involve a lack of consciousness, except for the petit mal, or absence, seizure. In this type of seizure the person may stare momentarily or appear to be daydreaming. Absence seizures can occur many times a day and are often overlooked. The person may appear to be forgetful or as though he has not been paying attention, when in reality he was momentarily unaware of those around him. The grand mal, or tonic-clonic, seizure is characterized by a loss of consciousness with a stiffening and convulsing of large muscles throughout the body. -
Time Frame
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Although a seizure may seem to onlookers to last a long time, they rarely last more than a few minutes. Absence seizures may last only a few seconds. Under normal circumstances medical intervention is not needed. Check with your health-care provider for details on when you or your child should seek medical attention.
Seizures lasting more than 30 minutes are classified as status epilepticus. This is a serious condition and must receive immediate medical attention. Status epilepticus can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Effects
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In most cases, seizures do not pose a health risk, but they may limit mobility. Some states prohibit those with a history of epilepsy from obtaining a driver's license unless they provide documentation from a physician that they have been seizure-free for a certain length of time. People with epilepsy, especially schoolchildren, may face isolation or teasing due to their condition and the lack of understanding of those around them. Children with undiagnosed absence seizures are often labeled as lazy or inattentive or as daydreamers and may suffer academic difficulties as a result of the seizures.
Prevention/Solution
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Many people with epilepsy are treated successfully with oral medication alone; 50% to 60% of adults will gain control of seizure activity with the first medication. A smaller segment, 10% to 20%, will require additional medications. Only 20% to 30% of those with epilepsy will require treatment beyond oral medications. A vagus nerve stimulator may be inserted under the skin in the chest or neck area to intercept electrical impulses, and surgery can be performed to remove the damaged portion of the brain.
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