Types of seizures
There are many different types of divisions. One classification attempt comes from the International League against Epilepsy. Here the disease is divided into focal, generalized, non-classifiable epileptic seizures.
In the case of focal epilepsy, there is a further subdivision based on the state of consciousness of the individual. Thus, a distinction can be made between simple-focal (with consciousness) and complex-focal (without consciousness) epileptic seizures. Primary generalized epilepsies are clinical pictures in which both halves of the brain are affected at the same time.
The patients suffer from a clouding of consciousness and usually cannot remember anything after waking up. Non-classifiable seizures include all seizures that cannot be classified in any other category. Furthermore, there is the so-called status epilepticus.
These are seizures that occur in quick succession and there is no pause (recovery) between them. A status epilepticus can be focal, i.e. limited to a part of the brain, and must last at least 20 minutes in order to be defined as such. A generalized epileptic seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes is also called an epileptic status. This clinical picture must be treated as quickly as possible, as there is a risk of death.
Associated symptoms
Patients who suffer from epilepsy show no symptoms most of the time. However, this symptom-free period is interrupted by recurrent epileptic seizures, which can be accompanied by a wide variety of symptom constellations. There are many different types of epilepsy, each with different symptoms.
Most of those affected report so-called auras, which occur shortly before an acute seizure. These can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, stomach pain, sensory changes and hot flushes, and are in themselves a separate seizure, but only cause subjective symptoms. The exact severity of these symptoms and their course over time depends on the location of the epileptic focus and is a key factor in the diagnosis of epilepsy.
Furthermore, many patients describe that shortly before a seizure they are no longer able to form clear thoughts. For observers, they seem very apathetic at this moment. However, some patients complain of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or anxiety for a long time before a seizure.
This phase is called the prodromal phase. People who have been suffering from this disease for a longer period of time and have already had several seizures can usually assess these symptoms very well and then already have a premonition that a seizure is imminent in the next few days. However, even in the time between two seizures, some patients report some symptoms that may occur. These include headaches, increased irritability, mood swings and even manic depression.
