Types of Seizures

There are 4 groups of types of seizures I was able to find, they are (1) Generalized Seizures, (2) Partial Seizures, (3) Nonepileptic Seizures, and (4) Status Epilepticus

Generalized Seizures and Partial Seizures are different because in a generalized seizure, both hemispheres of the brain is affected, and in a partial seizure, only one hemisphere (or side) of the brain is involved, although a partial seizure can spread to the other hemisphere of the brain and become a generalized seizure.

Now, to break it down even more, there are also 4 different types of generalized seizures! The first kind is the most common as well as the most dramatic. This is probably what most people think of when they hear the term "seizure". It is called the generalized tonic clonic seizure, better known as the gran mal seizure. Here, the patient loses consciousness, and usually collapses, then the body stiffens for about 30-60 seconds (tonic phase), then the body starts to jerk violently for about 30-60 seconds (clonic phase). Finally, after all that the patient falls into a deep sleep. (the postical or "after seizure" phase).
The next kind of generalized seizure are called Myoclonic Seizures. Here, there are rapid brief contractions of bodily muscles, these contractions are sometimes confused with fits of clumsiness. These usually occur on both sides of the body. A person having this kind of seizure may experience unintentional dropping or throwing of objects they are holding. 
Next, are seizures called Atonic Seizures. These seizures produce abrupt loss of muscle tone causing head drops, loss of posture, or sudden collapse and frequent falls.
Next are called Absence Seizures. When someone is experiencing one of these, there is a loss of awareness, and the person will "stare off into space". These begin and end quickly, sometimes with no warning or lasting after effect. Sometimes there is no memory of the occurrence either. They are more common in children than adults, and they can have up to 100 episodes a day or more. 
Lastly are seizures called Infantile Spasms. These are classified as quick sudden movement. They occur in children between ages 3months - 2years.

Partial Seizures are broken down into two categories. The first category is called simple partial seizures. When these happen, the person retains most of their awareness, memory and consciousness. They can experience jerky muscles and spasms, as well as unusual emotions or sometimes memory disturbances. They can also have some unusual experiences effecting the senses. The second category is called complex partial seizures. When these occur, awareness, memory and consciousness are all impaired either all together or one or two. Here, they may experience body spasms such as lip smacking, fidgeting, as well as uncoordinated movements. Partial seizures don't last long, and they end naturally, you cannot stop them, all that can be done is wait for them to come out of it.

The third group of seizures are known as Nonepileptic Seizures. These are behaviors that look like an epileptic seizure, but it is an isolated random occurrence, not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Lastly, there is a condition called Status Epilepticus. This term literally means a continuous state of seizure. This is basically a prolonged seizure, or a continued series of multiple seizures.

Sometimes when a person is about to have a seizure, they can experience a type of warning sign also known as an aura. An aura can be any hallucinations of sounds, sights or colors, smells, or random thoughts. Also, some physical feelings have been reported, such as headaches, and nausea. as well as weird unusual or inappropriate emotions are common too.

Check out this video! (Note: There is several pieces of footage here of people having pretty significant seizures)
Types of Seizures

Types of Epilepsy

In my research on Epilepsy, I have discovered that there are actually different types of this disorder.  In this entry I will briefly explain the different types of Epilepsy.

The first type is called Benign Focal Childhood Epilepsy. In this type, it causes the muscles all over the body to stiffen and jerk uncontrollably. This mostly occurs at night. 

Next is Childhood and Juvenile Absence Epilepsy, in this kind, the effected person stares into space. They may experience eye flutters, and some slight muscle jerking.

Third is called Infantile Spasms or West Syndrome. This type causes muscle spasms, affecting a child's head, torso, and limbs.

Fourth is called Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, which causes jerking in the shoulders and the arms.
Fifth is called Lennox-Gastaut Epilepsy, this kind causes frequent and several different types of seizures. This could lead to unexpected falls and injuries from falling.
Sixth is the most common type in adults. It is called Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. This type of Epilepsy causes the person to involuntarily smack their lips or rub their hands together. It also causes emotional or thought disturbances, as well as hallucinations of sounds smells and tastes.

I was very surprised at how many different types and categories of Epilepsy there are, and even more surprised at how many different types of seizures there are! So, let's move it along to the next blog and talk about all the different kinds of seizures.

Epilepsy - Myth Busting.

So, there are a pretty decent amount of myths about epilepsy and seizures that I feel need busting. For example, it's a common myth that you should restrain a person who is seizing. This is a bad idea because you can seriously hurt them. If they are convulsing, the last thing you'd want to do is try to hold them still, this could lead to broken bones and other injuries. Check out these two links about Epilepsy truths.
1. 10Truths 
2. Other Myths

So what is epilepsy then? 

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where the sufferer has seizures. Seizures occur when parts of the brain "get excited" and fire repeatedly. Brain cells, also called "neurons" send messages to each other signaling the person to have a seizure. This process could alter a person's consciousness, movements or actions.

Epilepsy is generalized as a seizure disorder, but just because a person has one isolated seizure incident does not mean they are epileptic. There must be more than one unprovoked seizure in order to be classified as epilepsy.

Epilepsy is very common. It affects about 65 million people world wide. It's said to be the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States, following only migraines, strokes, and Alzheimer's disease. Epilepsy affects more people than Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cystic Fibrosis COMBINED. 

Sources:
1. Wikipedia
2. Mayo Clinic
3. Epilepsy Foundation

{Introduction} ... Hmm, what's this about?

So, here am I am doing a quick introduction blog. I'm starting this rather later than I had originally intended, but I am writing this blog for a class I am taking at Nassau Community College. The class is called "Introduction To Developmental Disabilities". I must say I am excited for every meeting of this class. I find it very interesting, though I'm not quite sure this is the field I am going to enter. We shall see I suppose!

In this blog I am going to explore a seizure disorder known as Epilepsy. I'm starting this blog before doing any research, and all I really know about this disorder is that it has to do with seizures, and sometimes bright or flashing lights can trigger seizures. That's literally I know so far, and I'm genuinely excited to start this blog for real! 

Keep checking back, I promise there will be something slightly more interesting here next time!
-jk:)