Epilepsy: classification
Basics
Generalised - no focal features, consciousness lost immediately
Partial - focal features depending on location
- two main categories are generalised and partial seizures
- partial seizures may progress to general seizures
- other types: myoclonic, atypical absence, atonic and tonic seizures are usually seen in childhood
Generalised - no focal features, consciousness lost immediately
- grand mal (tonic-clonic)
- petit mal (absence seizures)
- myoclonic: brief, rapid muscle jerks
- partial seizures progressing to generalised seizures
Partial - focal features depending on location
- simple (no disturbance of consciousness or awareness)
- complex (consciousness is disturbed)
- temporal lobe → aura, dejà vu, jamais vu; motor → Jacksonian