Introduction
If someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, it means they have a tendency to have seizures (sometimes called fits). Epilepsy is usually only diagnosed after the person has had two seizures or more.
Seizures can happen in any part of the brain. The brain is responsible for all the functions of our mind and body. What any of us experiences during a seizure will depend on where in the brain the seizure is happening.
These web pages give a brief explanation of the most common types of epileptic seizure.
The structure of the brain
Why seizures happen
Electrical activity is happening in our brain all the time. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of intense electrical activity. This intense electrical activity causes a temporary disruption to the way the brain normally works, meaning that the brain’s messages become mixed up. The result is an epileptic seizure.
In these web pages, the term ‘epileptic activity’ is used to talk about this intense electrical activity.
When seizures start
Seizures can start at any age. Certain seizure types are more likely to start at certain times of life. For example, absence seizures mainly happen in childhood. Some children go on to have them when they are adults, but this is rare. In older people, focal seizures (also called partial) are the most common seizure type.
Seizure classification
The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), a world-wide organisation of epilepsy professionals, has compiled a list of the names of different seizure types. This is called the ILAE seizure classification. The names given to different types of seizures are based on this classification.
Giving seizures the right names is important for doctors. This is because some drugs and treatments can help some seizure types but not others.
Seizure types
There are many different types of seizure. They can be classed by where in the brain the epileptic activity starts.
Focal (partial) seizures
In these seizures the epileptic activity starts in just a part of your brain. You may remain alert during this type of seizure, or you may not be aware of what is happening. You may have movements that you can’t control, or unusual sensations or feelings. Sometimes, onlookers may not be aware that you are having a seizure.
Focal seizures can be very brief or last for minutes. Sometimes, epileptic activity starts as a focal seizure, spreads to the rest of your brain and becomes a generalised seizure.
Generalised seizures
These seizures involve epileptic activity in both hemispheres (halves) of your brain. You usually lose consciousness during this type of seizure, but sometimes it can be so brief that no one notices. The muscles in your body may stiffen and/or jerk. You may fall down.
We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
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Updated July 2011To be reviewed July 2013
Comments: read the 7 comments or add yours
Comments
my daughter has epilepsy from hypoglycemia. She has severe developmental delay. Most sections of her brain suffered and she has seizures every day _ about a dozen a day. They say they probably won't be able to control them, they last about 10 to 15 seconds at a time. What does this mean for her future?
Dear Judith
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been told your daughter’s seizures can’t be controlled, it must be very upsetting for you to hear this. Epilepsy is a very individual medical condition and affects people differently. So, an epilepsy specialist would be the best person to comment on what the future might hold for her and what further treatment options she has.
You didn’t say who it was that gave this information to you. If it wasn’t an epilepsy specialist, perhaps she could be referred to one. If it was an epilepsy specialist perhaps you could ask if she can have another opinion from an epilepsy specialist at one of the centres for epilepsy. The centre that your daughter would be referred to depends on if she is an adult or a child and where in the country she lives. You could talk to one of our epilepsy advisers, on our helpline (0808 800 5050), for information on her nearest epilepsy centre.
It may help you to know, if you live in England or Wales, about the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). They have guidelines for the care of people who use the NHS for treatment. The information below is taken from the NICE guidelines and it’s for people who have difficult to control epilepsy.
“You should be referred to a specialist centre when one or more of the following apply:
This service should include a multi-disciplinary team who are experienced in the assessment of people with complex epilepsy and have access to investigations and both medical and surgical treatment.”
Advice and Information Team
Hi i found out i was epileptic when i was 18, i'm 21 now, i inherited epilepsy off my mum and nanna, i seem to have a seizure once a week, i have two children, my little girl is almost two and my baby boy is 4 months, the dr's can't seem to get my seizures under control and i'm finding it so hard sometimes as i get so upset with myself... my partner says i'm dangerous.. i want to be able to look after my babies and not have people worry about me with them, especially my partner... i hate to admit this but last week i had a seizure, my son was in my arms whilst i was stood up and i dropped him, i'm so lucky he is okay..
i just dont know what to do... or what is best to do? i just want them under control :( so i can be a proper mum and do normal things without worrying that i'm going to have a seizure, even writing this now i feel that i'm abnormal :/ its getting to me now
Hi Chelsea..
You are not abnormal at all! My partner he inherited epilepsy from his mother and has grand mal fits when he doesn't sleep well or drinks alcohol. It's a trigger for the seizures. He has them under control now. He takes a drug prescribed free from his GP called Tegretol and it's brilliant. He's not had a seizure for 3 months now. If you haven't already you must call your GP and let him or her know ASAP. I'm sure everything will work out you just need to control the seizures and have them assessed too. It's a painless assessment my boyfriend had these examinations and it's made a huge difference. He had his first fit at 18 too. Good luck xxx
Hi I'm sophie I've just turn 14 and I have fits and granmal sizures too I get scared when they happen a school infont of my class and mates I think that they would pick on me but I had my first one at school and they were all suportive to me so don't be worried x
Hi im 42 and was dignosed 3 years ago with epilpsy, i find it hard to describe i also suffer from severe abdominnal pain and just recently i have started taking fits when my pain reaches a severe level, now this is not the case every time, the neuro thinks i ave both epilpsy and non epilpsy im confussed as ive looked the non epilptic condition and does't seem to sound the same as my condition i feel im not explaining myself properly to my neuro and he's drawing his own conclusions, when i talk to him i forget half the things i need to say and he asks and answers the questions, my medication has worked up until a certain degree.
Hi. It sounds like you’re having a difficult time. Some people with epilepsy do say that pain is a trigger for their seizures. Have you talked to your GP about the abdominal pain, so they can investigate the possible causes for this?
As you find it difficult to explain yourself to your neurologist, would it be helpful to write things down before you go to see him? Also, is there anybody who could come with you to your appointment, to offer you support? Also, do you know if there is an epilepsy nurse you could talk to? Sometimes they have more time than the neurologist to listen and explain things more clearly to you.
If you’d like to find out if there’s an epilepsy nurse near you, please contact the Epilepsy Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050.
Amanda
Advice and Information Team