Generalized onset epilepsy
This type of seizure involves onset from different areas of the brain simultaneously. Hence, this onset in not unilateral or local in origin; it can be bilateral, and is generalized in origin. Consequently, this may have a more varied symptomatology. Some of its subtypes are listed as follows;
- Absence seizures: Also called petit mal, this type involve a brief spell of seizure characterized by blank stares into the distance. Most commonly targeting children, this may often be neglected as daydreaming, or lack of attention. In fact, the child may be having a seizure. This is called Childhood absence seizures. This type is self-cured with progression into adulthood. Other associated symptoms may be rapid blinking and rolling of the eyeballs upwards.
Juvenile absence seizures progress well into adulthood. Young patients with this type also have simultaneous tonic-clonic seizures.
- Tonic-clonic seizures: Also called grand mal type of epilepsy, it involves two distinct phases of motor responses. Tonic phase is characterized by an increased muscular tone. The muscles, as a result appear rigid and stiffened. Movements in this phase are difficult to perform. The clonic phase, on the other hand is characterized by jerky movements. These are uncontrolled stimulus to the muscle resulting in hyper-bending or extension of the limbs, with the abrupt stimulus of inhibition.