Epilepsy & Seizures

The petite mal seizure in children (and adults) is mild in terms of its signs and symptoms.

A typical petit mal seizure involves a brief, sudden absence of consciousness. There may not be any movement at all, only what appears to be staring. In other cases, a seizure may cause:

A gran mal seizure looks very different from the temporal lobe or petite mal seizure.

Before the Seizure

A typical grand mal seizure starts with a loss of consciousness and falling down. This is followed by a 15- to 20-second period with muscle rigidity (tonic phase) and then a one- to two-minute period of violent, rhythmic convulsions (clonic phase).

Temporal lobe seizures are characterized by one- to two-minute episodes of loss of awareness or contact with one's surroundings.

Before the Seizure

Before experiencing a temporal lobe seizure, a person frequently has an aura, which is caused by an electrical discharge. Auras can consist of:

An epileptic seizure is caused by abnormal brain cell activity. Because of this, having a seizure can result in the sudden occurrence of any brain-coordinated activity. Examples include:

• temporary confusion