There are different types of seizures:
- Simple partial seizures -where only part of the brain is affected and there is no loss of awareness
- Complex partial seizures -where only part of the brain is affected and there is loss of awareness, and
- Generalized seizures -where the whole brain is affected.
Sometimes an individual is aware of the oncoming seizure by a warning or aura. Other times an individual may not have a warning. And sometimes the warning or aura is not followed by any other symptoms.
The warning or aura may include:
Déjà vu (the experience or feeling that one has witnessed or experienced a situation previously), an unpleasant smell or taste, an odd sound, visual loss or blurring, racing thoughts, mild stomach upset (like butterflies in the stomach), strange feelings, a tingling sensation, fear or panic, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or numbness.
The actual seizure may take several different forms. Some of the forms are:
Blacking out, confusion, visual loss or blurring , fear or panic, chewing movements or lip smacking, convulsions (generalized shaking), difficulty talking, repetitive involuntary but coordinated movements such as hand waving, the inability to move, incontinence, teeth clenching or grinding, tongue biting and twitching movements.
The end to a seizure represents a transition from the seizure back to the individual’s normal state. This period is referred to as the post-ictal period and refers to the recovery period for the brain. It may last from seconds to minutes to hours and usually includes confusion and exhaustion.