Seizures
A seizure occurs when a brief, strong electrical surge affects part or all of the brain. They can last any length of time between a few seconds and a few minutes.
Any combination of the following signs or symptoms can occur with any seizure:
There are two major categories of seizures:
Generalized
- Involves both sides of the brain
- Most common subtype: Grand Mal Seizures
- Individual's arms and legs stiffen (Tonic Phase) and then begin to jerk (Clonic Phase)
- Typically lasts 1-2 minutes followed by a period of confusion and deep sleep
- Another common subtype: Petit Mal Seizure (also called Absence Seizure)
- Individual stares off into space and is not aware of his or her surroundings
- Chewing is another common sign
- Typically last 2-15 seconds
- At the conclusion, the individual will resume task or activity without any memory of the seizure
Partial
- Common referred to as Focal Seizures
- Involve only one side of the brain
- 2 Types:
- Simple Partial - jerks, odd sensations and perceptions, and no loss of consciousness
- Complex Partial - consciousness is impaired or loss
The following document is a fact sheet on Seizures provided by the TWU APE/A department:
Any combination of the following signs or symptoms can occur with any seizure:
- "Blackouts" or periods of confused memory
- Episodes of staring or unexplained periods of unresponsiveness
- Involuntary movement of arms and/or legs
- "Fainting spells" with incontinence or followed by extreme fatigue
- Odd sounds, distorted perceptions, or episodic feelings of fear that cannot be explained
There are two major categories of seizures:
Generalized
- Involves both sides of the brain
- Most common subtype: Grand Mal Seizures
- Individual's arms and legs stiffen (Tonic Phase) and then begin to jerk (Clonic Phase)
- Typically lasts 1-2 minutes followed by a period of confusion and deep sleep
- Another common subtype: Petit Mal Seizure (also called Absence Seizure)
- Individual stares off into space and is not aware of his or her surroundings
- Chewing is another common sign
- Typically last 2-15 seconds
- At the conclusion, the individual will resume task or activity without any memory of the seizure
Partial
- Common referred to as Focal Seizures
- Involve only one side of the brain
- 2 Types:
- Simple Partial - jerks, odd sensations and perceptions, and no loss of consciousness
- Complex Partial - consciousness is impaired or loss
The following document is a fact sheet on Seizures provided by the TWU APE/A department:
seizures.pdf | |
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