Generalized seizure

Generalized Seizure

A Generalized seizure is a type of seizure that affects both sides of the brain or groups of cells on both sides of the brain at the same time. This is in contrast to a partial seizure, which begins in a specific, often small, part of the brain.

Types of Generalized Seizures

There are several types of generalized seizures, each with distinct symptoms and behaviors. These include:

• Tonic-clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures) - These are the most noticeable. When you have this type, your body stiffens, jerks, and shakes, and you lose consciousness. Sometimes you lose control of your bladder or bowels. They usually last 1 to 3 minutes -- if they go on longer, someone should call 911. That can lead to breathing problems or make you bite your tongue or cheek.

• Absence seizures (also known as petit mal seizures) - These are more common in children than in adults. An absence seizure causes a short period of “blanking out” or staring into space. Like other kinds of seizures, they start and end very quickly, often within a few seconds.

• Myoclonic seizures - Myoclonic seizures cause your muscles to contract. These seizures can cause quick jerking movements.

• Clonic seizures - Clonic seizures are seizures that involve repeated jerking movements of muscles on both sides of the body.

• Tonic seizures - Tonic seizures cause the muscles in your arms, legs, or trunk to become suddenly stiff or tense.

• Atonic seizures - Atonic seizures cause a loss of muscle tone. This can cause you to suddenly collapse or fall down.

Causes

The exact cause of generalized seizures is often unknown. However, they can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Genetic disorders
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Infections of the brain
• Metabolic disorders

Treatment

Treatment for generalized seizures often involves medication. Several types of anti-seizure medication are available. The choice of medication is based on the type of seizure, the patient's age, the patient's overall health, and the medication's side effects.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended. This is usually considered only if the seizures are not controlled by medication.

See Also

• Epilepsy
• Partial seizure
• Status epilepticus

Generalized seizure Resources
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