Classifying Seizure Types
Types of seizures
There are more than 20 different kinds of seizures, however, they are broadly divided into two main categories: partial seizures and primary generalized seizures.
Understanding partial seizures
Partial seizures are the most common type of seizures, affecting six out of every ten people with epilepsy. They can also be difficult to control. During a partial seizure, you may be pale; become unresponsive; experience twitching; stare into space; have unusual movements of the mouth and tongue; experience a sudden fear; and at rare times feel sudden anger or rage or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, joy.
Partial seizures occur when changes in electrical signals begin in one area of the brain. They may be called simple partial seizures or complex partial seizures.
 Simple partial seizures. This type of seizure affects a small area of the brain. They last no more than a few seconds in most cases and do not affect consciousness. Sometimes the person will just notice an unusual feeling.
Complex partial seizures. These seizures occur throughout a larger area of the brain. Consciousness is altered and sometimes the person will stop speaking, act strangely, or have repetitive movements.
Sometimes the seizure activity starts in one area of the brain and then spreads. If the whole brain is affected, it causes a generalized convulsion, or fall. When this happens, doctors call it a partial seizure secondarily generalized.
Secondarily generalized seizures. Simple or complex partial seizures that start in one part of the brain and then spread through the entire brain. Once the entire brain is affected, there can be a loss of consciousness and shaking of the entire body (convulsions).
Illustrated classification of seizures
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