I had no idea

[Day]

Everyone is saying "Oh, I have this type or that type of seizure." Until I found this site a few months ago, I didn't even know there were different kinds. I just thought a seizure was a seizure. I mean, I've always heard about grand mals, but that's it.

Lately I've been thinking about it, though, and apparently I am having at least 2 types, because sometimes I'll blank out for hours, sometimes just seconds.

At least 1 of my 3 neuros should've caught this, or at least let me know about the differences, right? I was told last year, that I have grand mal seizures, but didn't agree with this. Now, with a different neurologist, I'm thinking maybe I should bring it up.

When did they give names to different kinds of seizures?

[Nakamova]

It's pretty amazing, right? Until I developed epilepsy I had no idea about seizures other than tonic clonics (grand mals) and fever seizures (basically absences). And yet the majority of seizure disorders are not the classic convulsive variety. I think it's partly due to the slow pace of scientific advances and equally slow pace for public acceptance and awareness. For much of the last century, epilepsy was considered a mental illness, which didn't help.

From a sccientific viewpoint, major seizure classification happened in 1970, with a re-classification in 1981 that made the distinction between simple and complex partials based on partial or full loss of consciousness.

More info here on all the seizure types: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seizure_types

[Day]

Well Good Lord!! I feel like I'm taking Algebra again, and everything has 15 names!

[Nakamova]

There won't be a quiz, don't worry.

[Endless]

All those seizure names are kinda crazy, isn't it? There are over 40 kinds.

It's important to know which kind of seizure someone is having, because it affects what type of medication they are prescribed, and/or other forms of treatment. Especially to differentiate between generalized seizures which involve the whole brain, and partial seizures that just affect part of the brain. Not all meds work on both kinds.

If you are having seizures that last hours, there is a possibility you may have been in status epilepticus, which is a seizure that lasts over 15 minutes (some say 30) and can be quite dangerous. If any generalized seizure lasts over 5 minutes, bystanders should call 911.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_epilepticus

[Captkev]

I had no idea either! I also cant believe how many people suffer from seizures. I never heard of anyone or any other kind of seizure other than the grand mal, and now im learning of all kinds seizures, and all kinds of people who has them. Im trying to do my part and educate as many people as i can, I think i couldve saved myself alot pain and trouble had i known more about epilepsy.

[lovemyladybug]

crazy huh ? i had no idea either ! to be honest even with all i've read , im still confused ! i have one of those docs who doesnt feel the need to explain anything or let me in on whats going on with me , he just writes the scrip & moves on ! maybe one day i'll actually understand all of this .... best of luck to you too

[Beanogirl]

I had no idea there were so many different types of seizures. That is why I let my symptoms go on for 4 years just thinking it was anxiety. Never in a million years did I think I was having a seizure. Still reading and learning and trying to educate others.