Generalized seizures: These seizures affect the entire brain and can cause a loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, and convulsions.
Focal seizures: Also known as partial seizures, these seizures only affect one part of the brain. They can be simple (no loss of consciousness) or complex (loss of consciousness).
Absence seizures: These seizures are typically seen in children, and they cause a brief loss of consciousness that lasts only a few seconds.
Myoclonic seizures: These seizures cause sudden, jerky movements in the arms and legs.
Atonic seizures: These seizures cause a sudden loss of muscle tone, often resulting in a person falling to the ground.
Tonic-clonic seizures: Also known as grand mal seizures, these seizures are the most recognizable type and involve convulsions and loss of consciousness.
A tonic-clonic seizure, or grand mal seizure, affects both sides of the brain and leads to unconsciousness and convulsions. It starts with a stiffening of the body for up to 20 seconds, followed by jerking movements that can last up to 2-5 minutes. Breathing may stop or become irregular.
An absence seizure, also referred to as petit mal seizure, is characterized by a short-lived loss of consciousness that can last up to 15 seconds.
Time's up
Time's up
They have me on phenytoin (Dilantin) IV for my seizures. Please follow these precautions: