Generalized seizures

Generalized seizures are a type of seizure that affect both sides of the brain or groups of cells on both sides of the brain at the same time. This term was used before and still includes convulsions, with muscles contracting and relaxing rapidly and repeatedly, causing uncontrolled shaking. Because these seizures affect the entire brain, they can lead to loss of consciousness, falls, or massive muscle spasms.

Types of Generalized Seizures

There are several types of generalized seizures. These include:

• Absence seizures: These are brief, usually lasting only 2 to 15 seconds, and have symptoms that may be barely noticeable. However, if these seizures occur frequently, they can result in significant problems, such as difficulty learning at school. They are most common in children.

• Tonic seizures: In tonic seizures, the muscles become rigid, and the person can fall and may get hurt.

• Atonic seizures: With atonic seizures, there is a loss of muscle tone and the person may fall suddenly.

• Clonic seizures: Clonic seizures are characterized by repeated or rhythmic, jerking muscle movements.

• Myoclonic seizures: Myoclonic seizures usually appear as sudden brief jerks or twitches of your arms and legs.

• Tonic-clonic seizures: Tonic-clonic seizures are the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure and can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and sometimes loss of bladder control or biting the tongue.

Causes

The exact cause of generalized seizures is often unknown. However, they can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Genetic disorders
• Brain tumors
• Infections of the brain
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Metabolic disorders
• Drug abuse
• Alcohol withdrawal

Treatment

Treatment for generalized seizures often involves medication. Several types of anti-seizure medication are available, and the specific medication chosen depends on the type of seizure, the patient's age, possible side effects, cost, and the patient's other medical conditions.

In some cases, surgery or other treatments may be recommended if medication is not effective.

See Also

• Epilepsy
• Partial seizures
• Status epilepticus

Generalized seizures Resources
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