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Seizure Types

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What is an Absence Seizure?

An absence seizure is a brief generalized seizure that causes a sudden pause in awareness.
It starts and ends quickly, usually between 3-20 seconds, and the person usually does not remember it happening.

Absence Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden staring or a “blank” look

  • No response when spoken to during the seizure

  • Stops talking or moving briefly

  • Subtle movements like blinking, lip smacking, or small hand motions

  • Quickly returns to normal afterward

What does it do in the brain?

Absence seizures involve abnormal electrical activity across both sides of the brain at the same time.
This temporarily disrupts awareness without causing large body movements.

What does an EEG show?

Typical absence seizures show a generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave pattern on EEG.
This is one of the key features used to help confirm the diagnosis.

Who is affected?

Absence seizures most often occur in children, usually starting in early childhood.
Some children outgrow them, while others may later develop different seizure types.

Why can it be dangerous?

  • They can happen many times a day and affect learning

  • They are often mistaken for daydreaming and go untreated

  • They can cause safety risks during activities like walking or swimming

When is it an emergency?

Absence seizures are usually brief and not emergencies on their own.
Emergency care may be needed if:

  • seizures happen continuously without recovery

  • there is a change in seizure type or duration

  • the person is injured or does not return to normal

What families should watch for

  • Frequent staring spells or brief pauses in activity

  • Episodes where the person does not respond

  • Changes in attention, learning, or school performance

  • How often the seizures are happening

Did You
Know? 

Some children can have dozens or ever hundreds of seizures per day without realizing it.

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What is an Atonic seizure?

Atonic seizures are a type of generalized seizure that cause a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting less than 15 seconds.
This can make the body go limp, often leading to falls or head drops and is commonly referred to as "drop" seizures. The person is usually not aware during the siezure

Atonic (Drop) Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden head drop (like nodding forward)

  • Body suddenly goes limp

  • Person may collapse or fall to the ground

  • Arms may drop or go slack

  • Brief loss of awareness (not always obvious)

  • Quick recovery, often within seconds

What does it do in the brain?

Atonic seizures involve sudden, widespread bursts of electrical activity in the brain that interrupt signals controlling muscle tone.

This causes the muscles to suddenly relax instead of stay engaged, leading to loss of posture or control.

What does an EEG show?

EEG findings can vary, but may include:

  • Generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike activity

  • Sudden flattening or suppression of brain activity during the event

Findings often depend on the underlying epilepsy syndrome.

Who is affected?

Most common in children with epilepsy syndromes.

It is most frequently seen in:

- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Why can it be dangerous?

  • High risk of sudden falls and injury

  • Head injuries are common (helmets are sometimes used)

  • Can happen without warning

  • Frequent seizures can impact mobility and independence

When is it an emergency?

Atonic seizures are usually brief, but seek medical help if:

  • Seizures happen repeatedly in a short time

  • There is a serious injury from a fall

  • The person does not recover as expected

  • Seizure pattern suddenly changes

What families should watch for

  • Sudden unexplained falls or “drop attacks”

  • Head nodding or brief loss of posture

  • Injuries without a clear cause

  • Increasing frequency of events

  • Changes in awareness or recovery time

Did You
Know? 

Atonic seizures are often called “drop seizures” because of how suddenly they occur​

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What is an Atonic seizure?

Atonic seizures are a type of generalized seizure that cause a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting less than 15 seconds.
This can make the body go limp, often leading to falls or head drops and is commonly referred to as "drop" seizures. The person is usually not aware during the siezure

Atonic (Drop) Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden head drop (like nodding forward)

  • Body suddenly goes limp

  • Person may collapse or fall to the ground

  • Arms may drop or go slack

  • Brief loss of awareness (not always obvious)

  • Quick recovery, often within seconds

What does it do in the brain?

Atonic seizures involve sudden, widespread bursts of electrical activity in the brain that interrupt signals controlling muscle tone.

This causes the muscles to suddenly relax instead of stay engaged, leading to loss of posture or control.

What does an EEG show?

EEG findings can vary, but may include:

  • Generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike activity

  • Sudden flattening or suppression of brain activity during the event

Findings often depend on the underlying epilepsy syndrome.

Who is affected?

Most common in children with epilepsy syndromes.

It is most frequently seen in:

- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Why can it be dangerous?

  • High risk of sudden falls and injury

  • Head injuries are common (helmets are sometimes used)

  • Can happen without warning

  • Frequent seizures can impact mobility and independence

When is it an emergency?

Atonic seizures are usually brief, but seek medical help if:

  • Seizures happen repeatedly in a short time

  • There is a serious injury from a fall

  • The person does not recover as expected

  • Seizure pattern suddenly changes

What families should watch for

  • Sudden unexplained falls or “drop attacks”

  • Head nodding or brief loss of posture

  • Injuries without a clear cause

  • Increasing frequency of events

  • Changes in awareness or recovery time

Did You
Know? 

Atonic seizures are often called “drop seizures” because of how suddenly they occur​

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What is a Clonic Seizure?

A clonic seizure is a type of seizure that causes repeated, rapid contraction and relaxation of the muscles causing rhythmic jerking movements. The person is usually not aware during the seizure.

Clonic Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Repetitive jerking movements (rhythmic)

  • Movements usually affect: arms, legs, and facce

  • Movements may happen on both sides of the body

  • The person may:

  • Lose awareness

  • Be unresponsive during the seizure

  • Breathing may be irregular during the episode

  • The jerking gradually slows and stops

What does it do in the brain?

Clonic seizures involve repeated bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

These bursts cause the muscles to:

  • Contract → relax → contract → relax
    over and over again, creating the rhythmic jerking pattern.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show rhythmic spike or polyspike activity that can match the jerking movements.
It may be harder to read during the seizure due to movement, and slowing can be seen afterward.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in adults and children, most common in infants

  • As part of generalized epilepsy

  • Alongside other seizure types (like tonic-clonic seizures)

  • Rare as a standalone seizure type

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Risk of injury from uncontrolled movements

  • Risk of falls

  • Breathing may become irregular during the seizure

  • Can progress into longer or more severe seizures

  • Frequent seizures can impact safety and daily life

When is it an emergency?

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Multiple seizures happen without full recovery

  • There are breathing problems

  • The person is injured

  • Recovery is slower than usual

  • normal

What families should watch for

  • New or unusual jerking movements

  • Changes in seizure pattern or duration

  • Breathing changes during seizures

  • How quickly the person recovers afterward

  • Increasing frequency of events

Did You
Know? 

Clonic movements are the jerking phase seen in tonic-clonic seizures

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What is a Myoclonic Seizure?

A myoclonic seizure is a brief seizure that causes a sudden, quick muscle jerk.
These jerks are usually very short and can happen once or in clusters.

The person is usually aware during the seizure. 

Myoclonic Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden, brief jerking movement

  • Often affects: arms, shoulders, upper body

  • May happen on one side or both sides

  • The person is often aware and conscious

  • May happen in clusters, especially shortly after waking

What does it do in the brain?

Myoclonic seizures involve sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
These bursts cause brief, shock-like muscle contractions.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show brief bursts of generalized spike or polyspike-and-wave activity, often corresponding to the sudden muscle jerks. Slower waves may follow, and patterns can vary depending on the type of epilepsy.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • Common in certain epilepsy syndromes, such as: Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)

  • Myoclonus (sudden muscle jerks) can occur in healthy people, however, Myoclonic seizures are specifically caused by abnormal brain activity

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Sudden jerks can cause: dropping objects, injury, etc.

  • Frequent seizures can affect daily activities

  • May occur alongside other seizure types

When is it an emergency?

Myoclonic seizures are usually brief and not emergencies on their own.
Seek medical help if:

  • Seizures happen repeatedly without recovery

  • There is a change in seizure pattern

  • Other seizure types develop or worsen

What families should watch for

  • Frequent staring spells or brief pauses in activity

  • Episodes where the person does not respond

  • Changes in attention, learning, or school performance

  • How often the seizures are happening

Did You
Know? 

Myoclonic jerks can look similar to the sudden “jump” people feel when falling asleep; but seizures happen repeatedly and are caused by abnormal brain activity.

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What is a Tonic Seizure?

A tonic seizure is a seizure that causes sudden stiffening of the muscles.
It usually affects the body on both sides and can happen without warning. The person may be aware.

These seizures are often brief but can cause loss of posture or balance.

Tonic Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden stiffening of the body or limbs

  • Arms and legs may become rigid

  • The body may extend or tense up

  • May cause a fall if standing

  • The person may lose awareness

  • Often happens during sleep or when lying down

  • Typically lasts seconds

What does it do in the brain?

Tonic seizures involve sudden, sustained abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
This activity causes the muscles to contract and remain stiff rather than relax.

What does an EEG show?

An EEG during a tonic seizure may show generalized fast rhythmic activity or bursts of low-voltage, high-frequency activity.

The EEG can be difficult to interpret during the seizure due to muscle activity.
After the seizure, there may be a period of slower brain activity.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • Common in certain epilepsy syndromes, including: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

  • Often seen in people with more complex or treatment-resistant epilepsy

Why can it be dangerous?

  • High risk of falls and injury

  • Can occur without warning

  • Frequent seizures can affect mobility and safety

  • May occur during sleep and go unnoticed

When is it an emergency?

Tonic seizures are usually brief, but seek medical help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Seizures happen repeatedly without recovery

  • There is injury from a fall

  • Breathing problems occur

  • Recovery is not typical

What families should watch for

  • Sudden stiffening episodes

  • Falls without clear cause

  • Seizures during sleep

  • Changes in frequency or severity

  • Slower or unusual recovery

Did You
Know? 

Tonic seizures are often part of more complex epilepsy conditions and may occur alongside other seizure types, such as atonic or atypical absence seizures.

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What is a Tonic-Clonic Seizure?

A generalized tonic-clonic seizure is a seizure that begins across both sides of the brain and typically causes loss of awareness, followed by muscle stiffening and rhythmic jerking movements.

It is one of the most recognized seizure types.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden loss of awareness

  • Body becomes stiff (tonic phase)

  • Followed by rhythmic jerking of the arms and legs (clonic phase)

  • May cry out at the start of the seizure

  • Possible fall if standing

  • Breathing may become irregular or pause briefly

  • Lips or face may appear blue or pale

  • Possible tongue biting or loss of bladder control

  • Confusion, sleepiness, or fatigue after the seizure

What does it do in the brain?

This type of seizure involves widespread abnormal electrical activity across both sides of the brain.

  • The tonic phase reflects sustained activation of muscles

  • The clonic phase reflects repeated bursts of activity causing rhythmic contraction and relaxation

What does an EEG show?

An EEG may show generalized spike or polyspike activity between seizures.

During the seizure, there may be generalized fast rhythmic activity, followed by patterns that correspond with the clonic jerking.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in children and adults

  • Seen in generalized epilepsy

  • Can also occur when a focal seizure spreads to both sides of the brain (focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure)

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Risk of falls and injury

  • Possible breathing changes or reduced oxygen levels during the seizure

  • Risk of prolonged seizures or seizure clusters

  • Associated with an increased risk of SUDEP, especially when seizures are frequent or uncontrolled

When is it an emergency?

Seek emergency medical help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Multiple seizures occur without full recovery

  • There are breathing difficulties

  • The person is injured

  • It is a first-time seizure

  • Recovery is not typical

What families should watch for

  • How long the seizure lasts

  • Changes in breathing or skin color

  • Injury during the seizure

  • How quickly the person returns to baseline

  • Increasing frequency or severity of seizures

Did You
Know? 

Not all seizures that look like tonic-clonic seizures start in both sides of the brain.
Some begin in one area and then spread, which can look very similar.

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What is a Focal Aware Seizure?

A focal aware seizure is when a seizure begins in one specific area of the brain, and the person remains aware and conscious during the event.

The person can usually respond to their environment and behavior depends primarily on where in the brain the seizure is occurring.

They can typically remember the seizure afterward.

Focal Aware vs Impaired Awareness Seizures

What is a Focal Impaired Awareness Seizure?

A focal seizure with impaired awareness is when a seizure begins in one specific area of the brain, and the person’s awareness is reduced or lost during the event.

The person may appear awake but is often unable to respond normally to their environment, and their behavior depends on where in the brain the seizure is occurring.

They typically do not remember the seizure afterward, or may only have partial memory of it.

What does it look like?

Aware:

(variable, depending on part of brain affected)

  • Unusual sensations (tingling, smell, taste)

  • Déjà vu or sudden emotions

  • Visual changes

  • Small movements in one part of the body

  • May say “something feels wrong”

What does it look like?

Impaired:

(variable, depending on part of brain affected)

  • Staring or “blank” appearance

  • Unresponsive to voice

  • Repetitive movements: lip smacking, chewing, picking at clothes

  • Wandering or confused behavior

  • Sudden feelings of fear, disgust, or anxiety

Can a seizure be both?

A focal aware seizure can progress into a seizure with impaired awareness. This means a person may start aware and then become unresponsive.

This is commonly seen in temporal lobe seizures:

  • the seizure may begin with awareness (often called an aura, which is a focal aware seizure)

  • awareness may become impaired as the seizure spreads 

Important:

Even if awareness is impaired, don't feel as if you cannot comfort them.
You can:

  • Stay with them and remain calm

  • Speak gently and offer reassurance

  • Use a calm, familiar voice

  • Talk, sing, or comfort in a way that feels natural

  • Reduce noise and stimulation around them

  • Keep them safe and supported

Did You
Know? 

Focal aware seizures can act as auras, providing a warning that a more severe seizure may follow

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What is a Temporal Lobe Seizure?

A temporal lobe seizure is a focal seizure that begins or spreads to the temporal lobe of the brain.  
These seizures often affect emotions (fear), memory, and can include unusual sensations or behaviors. Severe forms cause apnea 

(stopping breathing) and are considered life-threatening. 

The person is usually not aware: they can appear awake, but may not respond to their surroundings

Temporal Lobe Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden pause or change in awareness

  • Staring or appearing “not present”

  • Repetitive movements (automatisms), such as: lip smacking, chewing, hand movements

  • Unusual sensations (aura), such as: rising feeling in the stomach, déjà vu, or fear

  • Strange smells or tastes

  • The "look": major fear (deer in headlights) or disgust

  • Severe: urning blue, respiratory arrest, heart rate changes

  • May not respond during the seizure

  • Confusion or tiredness afterward

What does it do in the brain?

These seizures spread or start in the temporal lobe, an area involved responsible for: processing auditory information, understanding language, forming and retrieving memories, recognizing objects and faces, and regulating emotions. 

​Abnormal electrical activity in this area can disrupt awareness and produce strong sensations, emotions, or automatic behaviors.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show abnormal activity in the left, right, or spreading (from one lobe to the other) in the temporal region of the brain.
During a seizure, the EEG may show rhythmic activity in the temporal lobe, though interpretation can be affected by movement or artifact.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • One of the most common types of focal epilepsy

  • May be associated with:

  • prior brain injury

  • structural brain differences

  • developmental or genetic conditions

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Impaired awareness can lead to safety risks

  • May cause wandering or unsafe behavior

  • Can progress into bilateral tonic-clonic seizures

  • In some cases, may involve breathing and hear rate changes or oxygen desaturation, which in rare cases, can lead to SUDEP

​

When is it an emergency?

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Seizures occur repeatedly without recovery

  • There are significant breathing changes

  • The person is injured

  • There is a sudden change in seizure pattern

What families should watch for

  • Subtle behavior changes or “zoning out” episodes

  • Repetitive or unusual movements

  • New or changing sensations before seizures

  • Changes in breathing or color

  • Frequency and recovery time

Did You
Know? 

Some temporal lobe seizures begin with a warning sign (aura), which is actually a focal seizure itself.
Not all seizures involve shaking: many are subtle and can be easy to miss.

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What is a Frontal Lobe Seizure?

A frontal lobe seizure is a focal seizure that begins in the frontal lobe of the brain.
These seizures often involve movement, odd behavioral changes, or sudden actions, and are typically brief and can occur in clusters. 

The person may be aware or have impaired awareness during the seizure

Frontal Lobe Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden, unusual movements or postures

  • Stiffening or jerking of one side of the body

  • Repetitive or rhythmic movements

  • Sudden vocal sounds, shouting, or speech changes

  • Rapid or complex movements (sometimes called hypermotor activity)

  • May appear agitated or restless

  • Often happens during sleep

  • Quick recovery afterward

What does it do in the brain?

The frontal lobe is responsible for: reasoning, decision making, voluntary movement, social behavior,  personality, memory, and executive functions

Abnormal electrical activity in this area can cause sudden motor activity or behavioral changes, sometimes without clear warning.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show abnormal activity in the frontal regions, but findings can be difficult to detect.

Because the frontal lobe is deep and seizures are often brief, routine EEG may appear normal.
During a seizure, the EEG may show fast or rhythmic activity, but movement and muscle activity can make interpretation challenging.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • One of the more common types of focal epilepsy

    • May be associated with:

  • structural brain differences

  • prior brain injury

  • developmental conditions

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Sudden movements can lead to injury

  • Seizures during sleep may go unnoticed

  • Can occur in clusters

  • May progress to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures

  • Behavioral changes during seizures can create safety risks

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Multiple seizures occur without recovery

  • There is injury or unsafe behavior

  • There is a change in seizure pattern

  • Seizures become more frequent or severe

What families should watch for

  • Sudden unusual movements, especially during sleep

  • Repetitive behaviors or vocalizations

  • Clusters of short seizures

  • Changes in awareness or responsiveness

  • Increasing frequency or changes in pattern

Did You
Know? 

Frontal lobe seizures can sometimes be mistaken for other diagnosis: because they are brief and occur during sleep they can be misdiagnosed as nighttime behaviors or movement disorders. As well, because of the large and complex role of the frontal lobe, the unusual symptoms of the seizures can be misdiagnosed as mental health conditions.

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What is a Parietal Lobe Seizure?

A parietal lobe seizure is a rare focal seizure that begins in the parietal lobe of the brain.
These seizures often involve unusual sensory experiences, such as changes in touch, body awareness, or spatial perception.

The person is usually aware during the seizure and can describe the event afterwards, however during the seizure they may feel detatched from reality and have a hard time communicating

Parietal Lobe
Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensations

  • Sensations spreading across part of the body

  • Feeling that a body part is larger, smaller, missing or in the wrong position

  • Unusual or distorted perception of space or movement

  • Difficulty describing what is happening

  • Can sometimes spread and become more noticeable or involve other symptoms

What does it do in the brain?

These seizures begin in the parietal lobe, which is responsible for: processing touch and sensation, body awareness, spatial orientation.

Abnormal electrical activity in this area can disrupt how the brain interprets sensory information.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show abnormal activity in the parietal region, but this can be difficult to detect.

Because seizures in this area may be brief or spread quickly, routine EEG may not always clearly capture the onset.
During a seizure, changes may be subtle or involve nearby regions.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • Less commonly recognized compared to other focal seizures

    • May be associated with:

  • structural brain differences

  • prior brain injury

  • developmental conditions

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Sensory changes can be confusing or distressing

  • May affect awareness of the body or environment

  • Can spread to other brain areas and become more severe

  • May progress to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Seizures occur repeatedly without recovery

  • There is injury or unusual behavior

  • There is a sudden change in seizure pattern

What families should watch for

  • Repeated unusual sensory experiences

  • Complaints of tingling, numbness, or strange feelings

  • Difficulty describing sensations

  • Episodes that spread or change over time

  • Changes in awareness or behavior

Did You
Know? 

Parietal lobe seizures can be difficult to recognize because they often involve internal sensations rather than visible movements.

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What is a Occipital Lobe Seizure?

An occipital lobe seizure is a focal seizure that begins in the occipital lobe, the part of the brain responsible for vision.
These seizures often cause visual symptoms and may be brief.

The person s often aware during the seizure.

OccipitalLobe
Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Flashing lights or bright spots

  • Colored shapes or patterns

  • Blurred or distorted vision

  • Temporary loss of vision or “blind spots”

  • Rapid eye blinking or eye movement

  • Eye deviation (eyes turning to one side)

  • Usually last two minutes or less

  • Can spread and involve other symptoms

What does it do in the brain?

These seizures begin in the occipital lobe, which processes visual information from the eyes.

Abnormal electrical activity in this area disrupts how the brain interprets visual signals, leading to temporary visual changes or disturbances.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show abnormal activity in the occipital region, particularly at the back of the brain.

However, findings can be subtle or difficult to capture, especially if seizures are brief or spread quickly.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • Seen in certain epilepsy syndromes, including childhood occipital epilepsies

    • May be associated with:

  • structural brain differences

  • genetic factors

  • developmental conditions

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Visual disturbances can affect safety and awareness of surroundings

  • May cause confusion or disorientation

  • Can spread to other areas of the brain

  • May progress to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Seizures occur repeatedly without recovery

  • There is injury or unusual behavior

  • There is a sudden change in seizure pattern

What families should watch for

  • Repeated visual symptoms (flashing lights, shapes, vision changes)

  • Complaints of temporary vision loss or distortion

  • Eye movements or eye turning during episodes

  • Seizures that spread or become more noticeable

  • Changes in frequency or pattern

Did You
Know? 

Occipital lobe seizures can sometimes be mistaken for migraine aura, but seizures are typically shorter (2 minutes or less), can happen is clusters and have a sudden onset, while migraines are usually much longer and gradual.

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What is a Focal Atonic Seizure?

A focal atonic seizure is a focal seizure that causes a sudden loss of muscle tone in one part of the body.

Unlike generalized atonic seizures, which affect the whole body, focal atonic seizures usually affect a specific area, such as the face, arm, or leg.

The person is usually aware and if awareness is impaired, it is brief.

Focal Atonic Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden loss of muscle tone in one area

  • Dropping of: one arm, one side of the face, one leg

  • Head may briefly drop to one side

  • May cause a partial loss of posture

  • Typically very brief (often only lasting seconds)

What does it do in the brain?

These seizures begin in a specific area of the brain that controls movement.

Abnormal electrical activity disrupts signals that normally maintain muscle tone, causing the muscles to suddenly relax instead of stay engaged.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show focal abnormal activity in the area of the brain where the seizure begins.

Findings can be subtle, and routine EEG may not always capture the seizure clearly.
During the event, changes may be brief and difficult to interpret.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • Less common than generalized atonic seizures

    • May be associated with:

  • focal epilepsy

  • structural brain differences

  • prior brain injury

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Sudden loss of muscle control can lead to:

    • dropping objects

    • loss of balance

  • If it spreads, it may:

    • involve larger parts of the body

    • progress to a more severe seizure

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical help if:

  • Seizures occur repeatedly without recovery

  • There is injury or loss of control

  • There is a change in seizure pattern

  • The seizure spreads or becomes more severe

  • There is a sudden change in seizure pattern

What families should watch for

  • Repeated dropping of one arm or object

  • Sudden loss of strength in one part of the body

  • Subtle head or facial drooping episodes

  • Changes in awareness or behavior

  • Increasing frequency or spread of symptoms

Did You
Know? 

Focal atonic seizures can be easy to miss because they may only affect one small part of the body and can look like simple clumsiness.

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What is a Hypermotor Seizure?

A hypermotor seizure is a focal seizure that causes sudden, complex, and often vigorous movements or behaviors.

These seizures most commonly begin in the frontal lobe, but can involve nearby brain regions.

The person may be aware or may not.

Hypermotor Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden, rapid movements of the body

  • Kicking, thrashing, or bicycling motions

  • Twisting or turning of the body

  • Pelvic thrusting or rocking movements

  • Repetitive or exaggerated movements

  • Vocalizations such as shouting or grunting

  • May appear agitated or distressed

  • Often occurs during sleep

  • Typically brief but may happen in clusters

What does it do in the brain?

These seizures begin in brain areas that control movement and behavior, most often in the frontal lobe.

Abnormal electrical activity causes sudden activation of complex motor patterns, leading to coordinated but involuntary movements.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show focal abnormal activity, often in the frontal regions.

However, findings can be difficult to detect because:

  • seizures are often very brief

  • the frontal lobe can be harder to monitor

  • movement and muscle activity can obscure the recording

In some cases, routine EEG may appear normal, and longer monitoring may be needed.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • Commonly associated with frontal lobe epilepsy

    • May be linked to:

  • structural brain differences

  • genetic or developmental conditions

  • prior brain injury

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Sudden, forceful movements can lead to injury

  • Seizures during sleep may go unnoticed, SUDEP risk

  • Can occur in clusters, increasing overall risk

  • May be mistaken for non-epileptic behaviors, delaying diagnosis

  • Can spread and become more severe

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical help if:

  • Seizures last longer than 5 minutes

  • Multiple seizures occur without recovery

  • There is injury or unsafe movement

  • Seizure pattern changes suddenly

  • Frequency increases significantly

What families should watch for

  • Sudden, unusual movements during sleep

  • Repeated episodes of similar behavior

  • Clusters of short seizures

  • Vocalizations or agitation without clear cause

  • Changes in frequency or severity

Did You
Know? 

Hypermotor seizures can sometimes be mistaken for night terrors or behavioral events, especially because they often happen during sleep and involve complex movements.

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What are Infantile Spasms?

Infantile spasms are a type of seizure seen in infants, involving brief, sudden muscle contractions that often occur in clusters.
They are part of a serious epilepsy condition and require urgent medical evaluation.

Infantile Spasms

What does it look like?

  • Sudden, brief jerking or stiffening movements

  • Head may drop forward or body may bend at the waist

  • Arms may extend outward or pull inward

  • Often occur in clusters (many spasms close together)

  • Commonly happen: after waking and when falling asleep

  • Each spasm lasts 1–2 seconds, but clusters can last several minutes

What does it do in the brain?

Infantile spasms involve abnormal, disorganized electrical activity across the brain.

This activity can interfere with normal brain development, especially during a critical period of growth in infancy.

What does an EEG show?

The EEG often shows a pattern called hypsarrhythmia, which is:

  • chaotic

  • high-amplitude

  • disorganized brain activity

This pattern is a key feature used to help diagnose infantile spasms.

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Who is affected?

  • Typically occur in infants between 3 to 12 months of age

    • Can affect children with:

  • no known prior conditions

  • or underlying neurological or genetic conditions

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Can significantly impact brain development

  • May lead to developmental delay or regression

  • Often associated with more severe epilepsy syndromes

  • Early treatment is critical to improve outcomes

When is it an emergency?

Infantile spasms should be treated as urgent.

Seek medical attention immediately if:

  • you suspect spasms

  • clusters of sudden movements are observed

  • there is any loss of developmental skills

  • diagnosis or treatment has not yet started

What families should watch for

  • Repeated clusters of brief jerking or bending movements

  • Spasms occurring after waking

  • Subtle or small movements that happen repeatedly

  • Loss of skills (smiling, rolling, eye contact, etc.)

  • Changes in alertness or interaction

Did You
Know? 

Infantile spasms can sometimes look subtle or be mistaken for normal baby movements, which is why early recognition is so important.

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What are Febrile Seizures?

A febrile seizure is a seizure that occurs in young children and infants, during a fever, usually without an underlying neurological infection or condition.

They are relatively common in early childhood and are typically brief and self-limited.

The child is not aware during the seizure.

Febrile Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden loss of awareness

  • Body stiffening and/or rhythmic jerking movements

  • May involve the whole body (most common)

  • Eyes may roll upward

  • Breathing may appear irregular briefly

  • Often lasts less than a few minutes

  • Followed by sleepiness or confusion

What does it do in the brain?

Febrile seizures are thought to occur when a developing brain reacts to a rapid rise in body temperature.

The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it involves temporary changes in brain electrical activity triggered by fever.

What does an EEG show?

EEG is often normal in children with simple febrile seizures.

Routine EEG is not always needed unless there are atypical features or concern for another type of seizure.

Who is affected?

  • Typically occur in children between 6 months and 5 years of age

  • More common in children with:

  • a family history of febrile seizures

  • Usually occur during illnesses that cause fever

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Most febrile seizures are not harmful and do not cause long-term damage

  • However:

  • they can be frightening for families

  • there is a risk of injury during the seizure

  • A small number of children may have recurrent febrile seizures

When is it an emergency?

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • The seizure is focal (affects only part of the body)

  • Multiple seizures occur within 24 hours

  • The child does not return to normal

  • There are signs of serious illness (e.g., stiff neck, persistent lethargy)

  • It is the first seizure

  • diagnosis or treatment has not yet started

What families should watch for

  • Seizures occurring during a fever

  • Duration of the seizure

  • Whether the whole body or one part is affected

  • How quickly the child recovers

  • Recurrence with future fevers

Did You
Know? 

Febrile seizures are common in young children and, in most cases, do not lead to epilepsy or long-term neurological problems.

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What is a Reflex Seizure?

A reflex seizure is a seizure that is consistently triggered by a specific stimulus or activity.

These triggers can be external (like light) or internal (like thinking or reading), and the seizure occurs in response to that trigger. They are typically not aware.

They can manifest as tonic-clonic, myoclonic, absence, or focal depending on the trigger (photosensitive = occipital lobe, musicogenic = temporal lobe, etc) 

Reflex Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Seizure occurs shortly after a specific trigger

  • Symptoms depend on the seizure type and may include:

    • jerking movements

    • staring or unresponsiveness

    • unusual sensations

  • Common triggers can include:

    • flashing lights

    • patterns or screens

    • reading

    • sudden sounds

  • Can look different from person to person

What does it do in the brain?

Reflex seizures occur when certain stimuli activate brain networks in a way that triggers abnormal electrical activity.

The brain becomes over-responsive to specific inputs, leading to a seizure.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show abnormal activity triggered by specific stimuli, such as flashing lights (photic stimulation).

In some cases, EEG testing may intentionally use triggers to help confirm the diagnosis.

Who is affected?

  • Can occur in both children and adults

  • Often seen in certain epilepsy syndromes

  • Believed to have a genetic component linked to hereditary patterns

  • Some people have reflex seizures alongside other seizure types

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Risk depends on the type of seizure triggered

  • Exposure to triggers can lead to repeated seizures

  • Can affect daily life if triggers are common (e.g., screens, reading)

  • Risk of injury if seizures involve loss of awareness or movement

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Multiple seizures occur without recovery

  • There is injury

  • Seizure pattern changes

  • It is a first-time seizure

What families should watch for

  • Seizures occurring in response to specific triggers

  • Patterns between activities and seizures

  • Frequency and consistency of triggers

  • Changes in seizure type or severity

  • Situations that may increase exposure to triggers

Did You
Know? 

Some reflex seizures can be triggered by very specific activities, like: reading, music, voices, writing, arithmetic, touch, hot baths, or exposure to certain visual patterns, not just flashing lights.

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What is a Startle Seizure?

A startle seizure is a seizure that is triggered by a sudden unexpected stimulus, most commonly a loud noise or abrupt touch.

They are a type of reflex seizure, meaning they occur in response to a specific trigger.

The person is typically unaware.

Reflex seizures vs startle seizures:

- Reflex: a certain trigger, with or without anticipation

- Startle: an unexpected, abrupt trigger. If the person is expecting the trigger, it wont cause a seizure

Startle Seizures

What does it look like?

  • Sudden stiffening of the body (often brief)

  • Quick jerk or startle-like movement

  • May involve:

    • arms lifting or extending

    • head turning

  • Can cause a fall if standing

  • Usually occurs immediately after a sudden sound or stimulus

  • Typically very brief (seconds)

What does it do in the brain?

Startle seizures occur when a sudden stimulus triggers abnormal electrical activity in the brain, often in areas involved in movement control.

This leads to a rapid, involuntary response that goes beyond a normal startle reflex.

What does an EEG show?

EEG may show brief abnormal activity following a trigger, often in frontal or motor-related regions.

However, findings can be subtle, and movement or muscle activity may make interpretation difficult during the event.

Who is affected?

  • More commonly seen in children with underlying neurological conditions

  • May be associated with:

    • developmental brain differences

    • prior brain injury

  • Can occur alongside other seizure types

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Sudden seizures can lead to falls and injury

  • Can occur frequently if triggers are common

  • May interfere with daily activities and safety

  • Often happen without warning

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical help if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Multiple seizures occur without recovery

  • There is injury

  • Seizure pattern changes

  • It is a first-time seizure

What families should watch for

  • Seizures triggered by sudden sounds or touch

  • Consistent patterns with specific triggers

  • Frequency and clustering of events

  • Risk of falls or injury

  • Changes in severity or response

Did You
Know? 

Startle seizures are different from a normal startle reflex because they are caused by abnormal brain activity and can happen repeatedly with the same trigger.

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What is Dravet Syndrome?

Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in infancy and is usually caused by a genetic change (most commonly in the SCN1A gene).

It involves multiple types, frequent and prolonged (5 minutes +) seizures. It often becomes more complex over time.

This form of epilepsy is hard to control, drug resistant, and life-long.

The persons awareness varies, depending on the seizure they are experincing 

Dravet Syndrome

What does it look like?

Seizures in Dravet syndrome can vary, but may include:

  • Prolonged seizures

  • Seizures triggered by fever or illness

  • One-sided (hemiclonic) seizures in early infancy

  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

  • Myoclonic (jerking) seizures

  • Seizures during sleep

 Seizure patterns often change and evolve with age

What does it do in the brain?

Dravet syndrome affects how brain cells regulate electrical activity, often due to changes in sodium channel function.

This leads to increased excitability in the brain, making seizures more likely and harder to control.

What does an EEG show?

EEG findings can change over time.

  • Early EEGs may appear normal

  • Later EEGs may show generalized or focal abnormalities

EEG alone is not enough for diagnosis, clinical features and genetic testing are important.

Who is affected?

  • Begins in infancy, often within the first year of life

  • Affects children with previously typical development early on

  • Usually associated with a genetic mutation, most commonly SCN1A

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Seizures are often prolonged and difficult to control

  • Higher risk of: seizure clusters, status epilepticus, injury

  • Associated with an increased risk of SUDEP

  • Can impact development, learning, and motor skills

When is it an emergency?

Seek urgent medical care if:

  • A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Seizures occur back-to-back without recovery

  • There are breathing concerns

  • The child does not return to baseline

  • Any prolonged or unusual seizure occurs

What families should watch for

  • Seizures triggered by fever, illness, or temperature changes

  • Prolonged seizures

  • Changes in seizure type over time

  • Developmental changes or slowing

  • Increased seizure frequency or clustering

Did You
Know? 

Dravet syndrome often begins with seizures triggered by fever, but over time can include many different seizure types.

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What is LGS?

Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome is a severe childhood-onset epilepsy syndrome characterized by multiple seizure types, developmental challenges, and a characteristic EEG pattern.

It is often difficult to treat and can evolve over time. Children with LGS often experience frequent seizures that can lead to permanent brain damage. 

It is usually life-long and carries significant life-threatening risks.  

Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)

What does it look like?

Seizures in LGS can vary, but commonly include:

  • Tonic seizures (sudden stiffening, often during sleep)

  • Atonic seizures (“drop seizures” causing sudden falls)

  • Atypical absence seizures (brief impaired awareness)

  • Possible:

    • myoclonic seizures

    • generalized tonic-clonic seizures

 Seizures are often frequent and may occur in clusters

What does it do in the brain?

LGS involves widespread disruption of brain electrical activity, affecting multiple brain networks. This can interfere with: cognition, behavior, development.

The underlying cause can vary and may include structural, genetic, or unknown factors.

What does an EEG show?

EEG typically shows a slow spike-and-wave pattern (around 1.5–2.5 Hz) during wakefulness.

During sleep, there may be fast rhythmic activity, especially during tonic seizures.

This pattern is a key feature used in diagnosis.

Who is affected?

  • Usually begins between 1 and 8 years of age

  • Often occurs in children with:

  • prior developmental delay

  • known neurological conditions

  • In some cases, no clear cause is identified

Why can it be dangerous?

  • High risk of frequent and unpredictable seizures

  • Drop seizures increase risk of injury

  • Increased risk of: seizure clusters & status epilepticus

  • Associated with developmental and cognitive challenges

  • Increased risk of SUDEP, especially with uncontrolled seizures

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical care if:

  • A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Seizures occur repeatedly without recovery

  • There is injury from a fall

  • There are breathing concerns

  • There is a significant change in seizure pattern

What families should watch for

  • Sudden falls or loss of muscle tone

  • Seizures during sleep

  • Frequent or clustered seizures

  • Changes in development or behavior

  • Increasing seizure severity or frequency

Did You
Know? 

Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome is defined not just by seizure type, but by a combination of seizure patterns, EEG findings, and developmental impact.

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What is Doose Syndrome?

Doose syndrome is a childhood-onset epilepsy syndrome characterized by myoclonic (jerking) and atonic (drop) seizures.

It is often considered a genetic generalized epilepsy, though a specific cause is not always identified.

Doose Syndrome

What does it look like?

Seizures in Doose syndrome can include:

  • Myoclonic seizures (sudden jerking movements)

  • Atonic seizures (sudden loss of muscle tone, causing drops or falls)

  • Myoclonic-atonic seizures (a jerk followed by a sudden drop)

  • Possible:

    • absence seizures

    • generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Seizures may occur frequently and in clusters

What does it do in the brain?

Doose syndrome involves abnormal electrical activity across the brain, affecting networks that control movement and awareness.

This leads to sudden changes in muscle activity, including both jerking and loss of tone.

What does an EEG show?

EEG often shows generalized spike or polyspike-and-wave activity.

Patterns may vary over time, and EEG findings are used along with clinical features to support diagnosis.

Who is affected?

  • Typically begins between 1 and 6 years of age

  • Often occurs in children with previously normal development

  • More common in boys

  • May have a genetic component, though not always clearly identified

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Drop seizures increase risk of injury

  • Frequent seizures can affect:

    • safety

    • learning and development

  • Seizures may be difficult to control in some children

  • May involve multiple seizure types

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical care if:

  • A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • Multiple seizures occur without recovery

  • There is injury from a fall

  • Seizure pattern changes suddenly

  • Seizures become more frequent or severe

What families should watch for

  • Sudden jerks followed by loss of tone

  • Frequent falls or “drop attacks”

  • Clusters of seizures

  • Changes in development or behavior

  • Increasing seizure frequency or severity

Did You
Know? 

Some children with Doose syndrome respond well to specific treatments, and early recognition can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.

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What is LKS?

Landau–Kleffner Syndrome is a rare childhood neurological condition that affects language development and is associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Children often lose previously acquired language skills, especially the ability to understand spoken language. Seizures usually occur, but are not always the most prominent feature as they typically occur during sleep

Landau–Kleffner Syndrome (LKS)

What does it look like?

  • Loss of language skills (especially understanding speech)

  • Reduced or lost ability to speak

  • Appearing not to understand or respond to language

  • May seem like hearing loss despite normal hearing tests

  • Seizures, often during sleep (may be subtle)

  • Changes in behavior, attention, or communication

 In many cases, language regression is the first and most noticeable sign

What does it do in the brain?

LKS involves abnormal electrical activity in brain regions responsible for language, particularly during sleep.

This activity disrupts the brain’s ability to process, understand, and develop language, even if the child was previously developing normally.

What does an EEG show?

EEG often shows epileptiform activity in the temporal regions, especially during sleep.

In some cases, there may be continuous or near-continuous abnormal activity during sleep, which can significantly interfere with brain function.

Who is affected?

  • Typically occurs between 3 and 8 years of age

  • Exact cause is unknown

  • Often affects children with previously normal development

  • More common in boys

  • Considered rare

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Can lead to significant language regression

  • May affect: communication, learning, social development

  • The impact on language and development is often more significant than the seizures themselves

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical evaluation urgently if:

  • A child loses previously learned language skills

  • There is sudden difficulty understanding speech

  • Seizures are suspected or observed

  • There are noticeable changes in behavior or development

What families should watch for

  • Loss of words or speech skills

  • Difficulty understanding spoken language

  • Not responding to speech despite normal hearing

  • Seizures during sleep

  • Changes in communication, attention, or behavior

Did You
Know? 

Landau–Kleffner Syndrome may first appear as a language or hearing concern, even before seizures are clearly recognized.

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What is Panayiotopoulos Syndrome?

Panayiotopoulos Syndrome is a childhood epilepsy condition characterized by autonomic seizures, which affect functions like nausea, vomiting, breathing, and heart rate.

It is considered self-limited, meaning most children outgrow it over time.

Panayiotopoulos Syndrome

What does it look like?

  • Sudden nausea or feeling unwell

  • Repeated vomiting (very common)

  • Pale or flushed skin

  • Changes in breathing

  • Eye deviation (eyes turning to one side)

  • Reduced awareness or unresponsiveness

  • May progress to a longer seizure

  • Often occurs during sleep or at night

What does it do in the brain?

This condition involves abnormal electrical activity affecting autonomic brain networks, which control body functions like: digestion, breathing, heart rate

This leads to symptoms like vomiting and changes in awareness rather than movement.

What does an EEG show?

EEG often shows spikes in the occipital regions, but activity can vary and may appear in different areas.

EEG findings may be more noticeable during sleep.

Who is affected?

  • Typically occurs in children between 3 and 6 years of age

  • Unknown cause (idiopathic)

  • Affects otherwise healthy children with normal development

  • Considered relatively common among childhood epilepsy syndromes

Why can it be dangerous?

  • Seizures can be prolonged (autonomic status epilepticus)

  • Vomiting increases risk of: dehydration and aspiration

  • Reduced awareness can affect safety

  • Episodes can be misinterpreted as illness rather than seizures

When is it an emergency?

Seek medical care if:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

  • There is repeated or continuous vomiting

  • The child becomes unresponsive

  • There are breathing concerns

  • It is the first episode

What families should watch for

  • Episodes of vomiting with unusual behavior

  • Seizures during sleep

  • Eye deviation or staring

  • Changes in awareness during illness-like episodes

  • Prolonged events that don’t follow typical illness patterns

Did You
Know? 

Panayiotopoulos Syndrome has is typically predicted to have great outcomes. Most children experience infrequent seizures and are in remission by 1-3 years. Seizures rarely persist into adulthood.

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