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Generalized tonic-clonic seizures |
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These seizures have 3 phases: |
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| 1. |
Tonic phase—the person cries out and falls to the ground. Some seizures have only this phase. |
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| 2. |
Clonic phase—there is repeated jerking. Sometimes occurs without the tonic phase, but with a short postictal phase (see below). |
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| 3. |
Postictal phase—the period right after a seizure, which can include fatigue and limpness. |
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| Typically, the generalized tonic-clonic seizure begins without warning. This, combined with falling to the ground and jerking movements, creates a risk of injury. There may be changes in blood pressure, more saliva, and loss of bladder control. |
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| Generalized tonic-clonic seizure |
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Atonic seizures |
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Known as a "drop attack," these seizures cause a sudden loss of muscle tone. This may result in dropping of the head or a limb, or lead a person to fall to the ground. That means there is a risk of injury. There also may be a brief loss of consciousness. |
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| Warnings signs—or are they? |
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| Some people with epilepsy know that a seizure is coming. This has been called an aura, and can have many forms. A feeling of pins and needles or a strange taste or smell are such examples. The problem is, these symptoms can occur in a simple partial seizure as well. That's why people are starting to veer away from the term "aura." |
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