Kinds of Seizures (PSY Project)

[CainDogGirl]

I know from experience that there are many kinds of seizures, even variations within the same categories like a partial seizure. The question is what are all the kinds that you've ever had and which are the most typical? An in-depth description of the sensations with each is most appreciated.

For me, I have many that I suppose are all grouped as partial seizures. I never did really learn technical terms. I have one kind where I see colors across my vision, kind of like when a picture is taken because of the flash, and my eyes deviate to the side. But that's all that happens. Another I also see colors, but I start to feel as if I'm not longer in this world. (Creepy, right?) It kind of gives me an exhilarated feeling though and typically these are the ones I lose my memory for afterward. Like, if I'm watching a movie in the moment I'll know what I'm watching but afterward I'm missing that space. There's another that I for some reason explain as 'feeling seven again'. I don't even know. All of these make me tired afterward.

I can also have a seizure where the sounds are distorted/slurred along with the colored vision. I have one kind that I don't know how to classify. I don't even know if it's one or not. Basically I lose my sense of place and feel like I've never been where I am. It's kind of scary, even though it happens all the time. I never really stop feeling that way when it happens despite the frequency. I used to have grand mals too, but those stopped years ago.

Those are my experiences. What are yours?

 

[N Sperlo]

Simple-partial seizures would be the most common seizure for me. If I have what I think is a simple-partial, it is time for me to call the doctor and work on my medicine. When I have one, it can cause a few of many experiences. Sometimes they cause odd feelings or sensations that are very hard to describe. I have to use common words to describe something that cannot really be described. Common feelings would be called "deja-vu", but it is not a normal "deja-vu". Instead of feeling something has happened before, I feel that everything is relative and has do do with something I was trying do describe before or am currently trying to describe. When I try to describe such a thing, I cannot put words together properly. I also can't remember what I said when this happens. Its usually interesting to hear what my wife heard me saying to her. Words don't come together to make a proper sentence. Other things I may experience are anxiety and nervousness. Sometimes I get the feeling of swollen glands (?) and will have a phrase or voice running though my head like a thought that will not go away.

Complex-partial seizures I will not remember. I am told i stare off into the distance and have displayed a repetitive motion such as smacking lips or spinning a glass on the table. From what I understand I was able to control a vehicle while having a complex-partial seizure, but that was before I was diagnosed.

I have had at least one tonic-clonic seizure. I convulsed for about 10 or 15 seconds, my wife says. I remember waking up extremely tired. I was woken first in bed by a police officer and again by EMTs. I was tired and extremely soar. I stayed in bed for about 24 hours because my muscles hurt and I was just tired. I may have had one or two more very short tonic-clonic seizures, but they were likely bad complex-partial seizures.

There were also anomalies. In my sleep, I would have odd behavior. My EEG read as if I were awake, but I would have activity similar to someone with Rem Behavior Disorder. After further review I would do situps in bed or pick things up and throw them. I would punch and kick my wife without knowing and as it appeared act out violently. I once slapped my wife across the face while laughing at her. I also acted out sexually once without knowing. Sometimes I would remember what I did, but usually not. My doctor believes these may be some sort of simple-partial seizure, but it remains unknown. The activity has stopped after an additional medicine was added to my cocktail.

Keep the questions coming.

P.S. It sounds like the "hard to describe", and "loss of sense of place" may be Jamais-vu. Jamais-vu is the opposite of deja-vu. I once woke up knowing where I was, but freaking out because of a total loss of understanding of time and I was freaking out. Not quite the same, but I understand somewhat. I believe many people have experienced jamais-vu like yourself. It is just so damn hard to explain what there may be no words for.

 

[MAB]

as far as I know I only have partial seizures. Most of them consist of foul or unpleasant odors. Occasionally I also perceive weakness in my left arm and/or leg, usually behind the knee. I know that when this happens I am in for a rough period of total, utter complete exhaustion.The other night I was awake quit late and I noticed that
the upper half of the dinning room raised up and then lowered back down. That was the first time I remember experiencing a visual seizure. They are usually olfactory or sensory, but they last for days. I frequently mix up words, numbers and names. I also occasionally experience a feeling at I am to close to the edge of the bed and feel like I am in danger of rolling off the bed, that used to be more common than recently. I sometimes think the unpleasant odor auras are caused by being exposed to unpleasant odors almost like the odors become trapped in my sinuses.

 

[PFunk]

There's another that I for some reason explain as 'feeling seven again'

Feeling seven again, I love it. That discription makes sense to me concidering they are all so hard to explain. Before I new I had E, I would describe one of my SP's as "those 70's shapes".

 

[qtowngirl]

welcome caindoggirl

almost all of what you've listed is relative to simple partial seizures (trust me on those, 1000+ over close to 20 years), except for the ones that have no memory of prior moments. 'NO' memory is a classic part of a complex partial. these are very dangerous in the sense that one commonly does things they're not aware of during that time, such as sticking hands on a hot burner or taking clothes off and going outside (only two examples that people have done, there's many more possibilities). with a simple partial you don't forget it afterwards. check this out re: simple partials (aka auras), as well as classification of the main four types of simple partials below.

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/invaluable-article-simple-partials-auras-13324/

Motor seizures:
These cause a change in muscle activity. For example, a person may have abnormal movements such as jerking of a finger or stiffening of part of the body. These movements may spread, either staying on one side of the body (opposite the affected area of the brain) or extending to both sides. Other examples are weakness, which can even affect speech, and coordinated actions such as laughter or hand movements. The person may or may not be aware of these movements.

Sensory seizures:
These cause changes in any one of the senses. People with sensory seizures may smell or taste things that aren't there; hear clicking, ringing, or a person's voice when there is no actual sound; or feel a sensation of "pins and needles" or numbness. Seizures may even be painful for some patients. They may feel as if they are floating or spinning in space. They may have visual hallucinations, seeing things that aren't there (a spot of light, a scene with people). They also may experience illusions—distortions of true sensations. For instance, they may believe that a parked car is moving farther away, or that a person's voice is muffled when it's actually clear.

Autonomic seizures:
These cause changes in the part of the nervous system that automatically controls bodily functions. These common seizures may include strange or unpleasant sensations in the stomach, chest, or head; changes in heart rate or breathing; flushing or sweating; or goose bumps.

Psychic seizures:
These seizures change how people think, feel, or experience things. They may have problems with memory, garbled speech, an inability to find the right word, or trouble understanding spoken or written language. They may suddenly feel emotions like fear, depression, or happiness with no outside reason. Some may feel as though they are outside their body or may have feelings of déja vu ("I've been through this before") or jamais vu ("This is new to me"— even though the setting is really familiar).

 

[MAB]

A couple years ago I got in the car to go somewhere. I actually ended up where I planned to go but when I got there I realized I didn't remember the drive at all.

Does that sound like a partial complex seizure?

 

[KatieCoy83]

When they first started my doctors didn't even know how to label them. They thought they were panic attacks until I had one on EEG video. I had no idea I'd had one. I'd scream, run (sometimes into things) around like a chicken with my head cut off for around 30 seconds or so. I'd come out of it and carry on. Somehow I usually found my way to a bathroom(?). I knew it happened from the look on people's faces.

They eventually classifieds them as CP seizures even though I was a "special case". After I had surgery they down graded to simple partial only effecting my senses.

 

[qtowngirl]

A couple years ago I got in the car to go somewhere. I actually ended up where I planned to go but when I got there I realized I didn't remember the drive at all.

Does that sound like a partial complex seizure?

though there are over 40 types of seizures and all kinds of symptoms, loss of memory only applies to a few, there are so many that are only physical-based. it's an interesting thing that you actually went to where you were going, almost like a sub-memory going on. but, if you didn't remember the drive at all i'd say yes, a complex partial.
the one thing that is very exclusive to a c.p. is that your mind vacates but you stay awake and moving. some people stay sitting but their body moves around (arms in the air grasping for something that isn't there or pulling fuzz (also that isn't there) off their clothes, while others may take off running or going somewhere. as i said there is a huge amount of symptoms, endless really, no 'set' thing that will or won't happen. SCARY.

when it happens it causes loss of license legally, here it is for 6 months, as it shows not only do you lose partial consciousness but that your meds (whether one or many) failed and therefore a 'seizure breakthrough.' this means higher doses or change of meds should be looked at.

 

[Endless]

MAB,

It may or may not have been a seizure. People without seizures drive somewhere without remembering it. It's like being on autopilot. It happens a lot when people are really busy, or sad, or have a lot to think about.

It might have been a seizure. People have been known to stay on the road during a CP, and even make turns.

Some questions might help narrow it down:
- How long did it last?
- What part did you forget? During, but also before the suspected seizure or after it?
- Did you experience any confusion afterwards?
- Did you experience an aura (simple partial) before this happened?
- Was it a trip straight down the road, or were there lots of complex directions to remember?
- Was anybody in the car with you? Can they describe you and your behavior during that time? (Were you responsive, what was the look on your face, movements, etc.)

Do call your neurologist and let them know what happened, and the answers to the above. They can figure it out for you. In the meantime, I wouldn't drive until your doctor has weighed in.

A couple years ago I got in the car to go somewhere. I actually ended up where I planned to go but when I got there I realized I didn't remember the drive at all.

Does that sound like a partial complex seizure?

 

[CainDogGirl]

'NO' memory is a classic part of a complex partial. these are very dangerous in the sense that one commonly does things they're not aware of during that time, such as sticking hands on a hot burner or taking clothes off and going outside (only two examples that people have done, there's many more possibilities). with a simple partial you don't forget it afterwards.

That's weird, because while I don't remember what I do it's never weird stuff like that. I always do/get where I'm supposed to. Like, one time I had a seizure and my dad wanted to test if I was aware with stuff like 'touch this finger to this one' or whatever and he says I did it all perfectly yet I remember none of it. Same goes for one time when I was walking across campus to the cafeteria. I don't remember a space of the walk yet I was in the cafeteria when I 'came to' memorywise. Am I a rare case or what?

 

[MAB]

That's weird, because while I don't remember what I do it's never weird stuff like that. I always do/get where I'm supposed to. Like, one time I had a seizure and my dad wanted to test if I was aware with stuff like 'touch this finger to this one' or whatever and he says I did it all perfectly yet I remember none of it. Same goes for one time when I was walking across campus to the cafeteria. I don't remember a space of the walk yet I was in the cafeteria when I 'came to' memorywise. Am I a rare case or what?

That pretty much sounds like the drive I described above. It wasn't a straigth rode lots of twists and turns and different roads but I was very familiar with the drive. It's nerver happened before or since that I am aware.

 

[qtowngirl]

That's weird, because while I don't remember what I do it's never weird stuff like that. I always do/get where I'm supposed to. Like, one time I had a seizure and my dad wanted to test if I was aware with stuff like 'touch this finger to this one' or whatever and he says I did it all perfectly yet I remember none of it. Same goes for one time when I was walking across campus to the cafeteria. I don't remember a space of the walk yet I was in the cafeteria when I 'came to' memorywise. Am I a rare case or what?

the 'weird stuff' were just examples, like i said the range of things that take place is huge... there isn't boundaries with a complex partial b/c one is only half-conscious. keep in mind it is possible (this word used lightly) to get where you're going, some things like driving may be operated by a sub-conscious, and feel lucky in a sense that that's what happened, as many with these types of seizures don't make it to a destination.
next time someone tests you during it ask them 'do i talk and move normally right now?' then after (if it's a true complex partial you likely won't remember that you've got it in mind to ask them, and even if you did blurt a few words of it, you wouldn't remember saying them after).
good idea to tell the people you're around most about trying things like this next time, ideas and answers such as these can go very far in helping diagnose.
if they are cp's you're having you are not rare; rare-type seizures only happen with a few types of epilepsy. many, many people experience similar to you, don't feel alone

 

[qtowngirl]

from the BC Epilepsy Society:

What Complex Partial Seizures Look Like-
Typically, a complex partial seizure starts with a blank stare and loss of contact with surroundings. This is often followed by chewing movements with the mouth, picking at or fumbling with clothing, mumbling, and performing simple, unorganized movements over and over again.
Sometimes people wander around during complex partial seizures. For example, a person might leave a room, go downstairs, and out into the street, completely unaware of what he or she was doing.
In rare cases, someone may try to undress during the seizure, or become very agitated, screaming, running, or making flailing movements with his arms or bicycling movements with his legs.
Other complex partial seizures may cause a person to run in apparent fear, or cry out, or repeat the same phrase, over and over again.
People’s actions and movements are typically unorganized, confused, and unfocused during a complex partial seizure. However, if one suddenly begins while someone is in the middle of a repetitive action, like dealing cards or stirring a cup of coffee, he may stare for a moment then continue the action during the seizure, but in a mechanical, unorganized kind of way.

 

[cadsgj]

Almost half my seizures are complex partials. When they come I have a forewarning - how long not 100% sure - and then I slip from reality. I still can see things but can no longer understand anything of what I see; is my vision a reality I never know for sure. I believe I can hear but don't know for certainty, but I know anything I might hear means 100% nothing to me, not even if it would be me who tried speaking (don't know if I ever do try speaking). I get dizzy, though not dizzy like I was getting ready to fall, just a light headed dizzy feeling. I don't know time so I can never be certain how long it lasted. After I am back in reality, almost always, those who may be around me did not realize I was in the midst of a seizure, so I don't think I really make any movements in any way.

Almost another half are simple partial seizures. When they happen I feel very strange as I feel them slip in, and when they hit, I do understand things around me. I can hear if someone were talking to me and while I do understand what was said, I rarely, if ever, reply until main part of the seizure is past, I would guess about 30 seconds to a minute max. If by chance I do reply to something someone may have said during actual seizure, I certainly do not remember it right now - possibly for a short period of time I would, though I can't really say one way or the other I guess :huh:

Grand mal... I remember nothing. All that may have happened in one of my 4 grand mals (that I know of) in last 15-20 years, I remember only what I may have been told. Only one did I have to go to the hospital - thank goodness.

Shared with you what I could in the seizure part of my last (near) 20 years.

 

[qtowngirl]

Almost half my seizures are complex partials. When they come I have a forewarning - how long not 100% sure - and then I slip from reality.

morning friend
the forewarning, what does it feel like? simple partials can come first (often referred to as a warning or aura), does it feel in any way the same as the simples you describe?

After I am back in reality, almost always, those who may be around me did not realize I was in the midst of a seizure, so I don't think I really make any movements in any way.

good idea to specifically ask them 'did i move anything; eyes, feet, fingertips etc.?' they could watch really close to give specifics, and *my sask and surgery bud* i suggest keeping track of what they see in a calendar diary. mainly in case the seizure actions ever change, so helpful to have dates to refer to. :bigsmile:

 

[cadsgj]

hey qtowngirl

Forewarning for me when complex is on the way is usually a +/-15 second slow move into the seizure, then I am kinda out of my world as I see it. When the seizure is ending I would guess 15-30 seconds and i'll be back, though slightly lighted for a spell. I don't know if it is a simple partial coming first or merely just a shift into the complex. I have been told by neurologist that most likely my simples are the ones where I merely slip, I guess best wording as I see it, slip away from reality partially... the ones I don't totally slip away. That and they are shorter in time.

I really wish I could talk to those around me after I come back from a seizure, but for a period of time after, I think I am probably embarrassed. In my earlier years I had a couple people who thought it was funny, they laughed at me (not to be mean, just friends). And that was the days when I usually had to kneel down on the ground, on my knees, and curl up best I could... I guess hiding or something. Seizure passed, after a couple hours I could probably talk about it to close friends and some family members if they were there.

Good point on detailing seizure actions, at least best I can. Hard part for me is I only know a few people who I can really talk to though... couple who help me here in Regina for the brain injury and just a couple in direct family. Regardless, if they are there when i do have a seizure, it would be best to talk with them about it. I do keep track of all seizures I have, since June, but when I was at my neurologist about a month ago, the only thing on my list was dates and type of seizure.

"sask and surgery bud" is so right! :rock: How are things going with you since surgery day? Sorry for my memory but I think 90 days for you is coming up close to Halloween... right? Or am I off a chunk of time here? How ya feeling... still getting better and happier by day? I am incredibly happy for you here
:hugs:

 

[qtowngirl]

Forewarning for me when complex is on the way is usually a +/-15 second slow move into the seizure, then I am kinda out of my world as I see it. I don't know if it is a simple partial coming first or merely just a shift into the complex. I have been told by neurologist that most likely my simples are the ones where I merely slip, I guess best wording as I see it, slip away from reality partially... the ones I don't totally slip away. That and they are shorter in time.

yes they're shorter (not always tho, depending if they're going to turn complex or grand mal, ie: my simples were roughly 10 to 40 seconds but before a g.m. they were 1.5 to 2 minutes). my educated guess is your 'forewarning' is a quick simple partial. i'll do some researchin' for ya saskie

And that was the days when I usually had to kneel down on the ground, on my knees, and curl up best I could... I guess hiding or something.

(((HUGS))) that's awful. can't imagine feeling that way, talk about a strong/emotional seizure, damn

Good point on detailing seizure actions, at least best I can. if they are there when i do have a seizure, it would be best to talk with them about it.

yeah it can make a world of difference, even just to have one persons details of what they seen. a really good neuro is able to make decisions on stuff like that. good luck my dear.

How are things going with you since surgery day? Sorry for my memory but I think 90 days for you is coming up close to Halloween... right? Or am I off a chunk of time here? How ya feeling... still getting better and happier by day? I am incredibly happy for you here

haha you're right!! halloween is day 88 woot woot! thank you for the hugs; i'll msg you re: how i'm feeling etc., caindoggirl we'll give your thread back......... :bigsmile: