Epilepsy Syndromes
Epileptic seizures are classified as either focal or generalized. Focal seizures take place when abnormal electrical brain activity occurs in one or more areas of one side of the brain. Seizures are classified as generalized seizures when abnormal electrical brain activity occurs on both sides of the brain.
Learn more about the most common epilepsy syndromes we treat.»
Generalized seizures
Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. They cause a loss of consciousness and a postictal state (a period characterized by drowsiness, confusion, nausea, hypertension, headache, or migraine) after the seizure occurs.
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (also called grand mal seizures)
- Tonic seizures
- Clonic seizures
- Myoclonic seizures
- Absence seizures (also called petit mal seizures)
- Atonic seizures (also called drop attacks)
Focal seizures
Focal seizures take place when abnormal electrical brain function occurs in one or more areas of one side of the brain. Focal seizures may also be called partial seizures. With focal seizures, particularly with complex focal seizures, the child may experience an aura before the seizure occurs. An aura is a strange feeling, either consisting of visual changes, hearing abnormalities, or changes in the sense of smell.
- Simple-partial seizures
- Complex-partial seizures
- Secondarily generalized seizures
