Types of Seizures

Seizures are divided into two major groups – depending on where they begin in the brain:

• Generalized seizures – Unlike partial seizures, generalized seizures seem to begin everywhere in the brain at once.  Types of generalized seizures include:
  
  
  • Absence seizures (formerly known as petit mal seizures)
    
  • Myoclonic seizures
    
  • Clonic seizures
    
  • Tonic seizures
    
  • Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures)
    
  • Atonic seizures (drop attacks)
    
• Partial seizures – Also called “focal” or “local” seizures, partial seizures begin in one location of the brain

Request an appointment

For more information about seizures or to meet with our doctors, request an appointment at the Epilepsy Center.