Seizures take many forms. Before your doctor can prescribe the right
treatment, he or she must figure out which type (or types) you have. That's the
purpose of all the tests discussed in the Diagnosis section—not just to tell
whether you have epilepsy, but also to tell what kind.
Commonly Used Names for Seizure Types
Seizures are generally described in two major groups of seizures, primary
generalized seizures and partial seizures. The difference between these types is
in how and where they begin. A new way of naming seizures has been developed by
epilepsy specialists, but most often these common names are still used.
Primary generalized seizures
Primary generalized seizures begin with a widespread electrical discharge
that involves both sides of the brain at once. Hereditary factors are important
in many of these seizures.
Partial seizures
Partial seizures begin with an electrical discharge in one limited area of
the brain. Many different things can cause partial seizures, for example head
injury, brain infection, stroke, tumor, or changes in the way an area of the
brain was formed before birth (called cortical dysplasias). Many times, no known
cause is found, but genetic factors may be important in some partial
seizures.
Partial seizures can be broken down further, depending on whether a person's
awareness or consciousness (the ability to respond and remember) is
affected.
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