Different Types of Seizures

Question 1

Absence

Answer 1

1. Sudden cessation of motor activity or speech with a blank facial expression or rhythmic twitch of the mouth, eyebrows, chin, eyelid, or other part of the face
2. Abrupt onset and offset
3. May experience countless seizures in a day

Question 2

Tonic

Answer 2

1. Tightening of chest muscle may lead to cyanosis
2. Consciousness usually preserved

Question 3

Clonic

Answer 3

1. Muscles will spasm, jerk, then relax
2. Spasms/jerking cannot be stopped by restraining or positioning

Question 4

Tonic-Clonic

Answer 4

1. Presents with the entire body experiencing tonic contractions alternating with relaxation of all muscle groups
2. Loss of sphincter control, especially the bladder is common

Question 5

Atonic

Answer 5

1. Sudden loss of muscle tone

Question 6

Status Epilepticus

Answer 6

1. Prolonged or clustered seizures where consciousness does not return between seizures (15-20 mins; emergency)