Epilepsy, which is commonly known as seizure disorder can be a serious cause of concern if not treated at an early stage. A chronic problem of the central nervous system, epilepsy is caused when there is a sudden disruption of nerve cells present in the brain. Though epilepsy is known to be the fourth common medical issues experienced by the people in the United States, many people still hesitate to visit a doctor.

Seizure
The name of the disease says it all. Seizures or a sudden stroke f illness is the prime symptom of epilepsy. Seizures are experienced all of a sudden and paralyze the patient for a certain period. Depending on the type of attack, seizures are further classified into two different types, viz. focal seizures and generalized seizures.

Focal seizures
Also known as a partial seizure, this type of attack is felt in a restricted area of the body. For ease of treatment, focal seizures are further sub-divided into two categories. One is the simple partial seizure or focal seizure in a conscious state, and the other is complex partial seizure or focal dyscognitive seizure.

Simple partial seizure or focal seizure in a conscious state
As the name says, the person experiencing this type of seizure does not lose consciousness. They may experience some changes in their mental state or might also feel some difference in sound, taste, feel, smell or look. Many people affected with this type of seizure also get sensory symptoms like flashes of light, dizziness or tingling sensation. Sudden involuntary jerk in the arm, leg or any other part of the body is also an indication of focal seizure.

Complex partial seizure or focal dyscognitive seizure
Patients lose their awareness or consciousness of this type of attack. Patients, who get these type of seizure may continuously stare at space and becomes unresponsive to the movements occurring around him. Some may also perform the repetitive movement when affected by a focal dyscognitive seizure.

Identifying and treating the focal disorder in the right way is important as these are often misdiagnosed as signs of mental illness, narcolepsy or a migraine. Improper diagnosis and medication can worsen the condition significantly. Therefore, it is always recommended to visit an experienced doctor and get the best treatment.

Generalized seizure
As the name says, this type of seizure affects the functioning of the whole brain. However, for better diagnosis, this too has been segregated into six different categories, viz. absence seizure, tonic seizure, atonic seizure, myoclonic seizure, clonic seizure and tonic-clonic seizure.

Absence seizure
Earlier referred as petit mal seizure, this mostly affects children, and they become entirely lose their awareness for certain duration. While some children continuously stare into space, others start lip smacking or eye blinking.

Tonic seizure
Sudden muscle stiffness characterizes this type of seizure. It can affect legs, arms or back muscles and may even make you fall.

Atonic seizure
Losing control of all muscles and sudden collapse of the patient is the prime symptom of an atonic seizure. This type of seizure can occur to anyone, irrespective of their age.

Myoclonic seizure
This type of seizure is restricted to legs and arms. It brings sudden twitching or jerk of the limb muscles.

Clonic seizure
Unlike myoclonic seizure, this causes rhythmic or repeated jerks to the movement of muscles. People affected by this experience the problem in their arms, face or neck.

Tonic-clonic seizure
Also known as the grand mal seizure, this is often referred as the most dangerous of all seizures. The symptoms of this seizure may make patients suddenly unconscious; it can shake or stiffen the body, affect bladder control and make patients bite their tongue.

Like the different types of epilepsy, the symptoms also vary from one patient to other. Therefore, it is extremely important to observe the symptoms appropriately to get a proper diagnosis of the disorder. If neglected in the initial stage, it may cause significant difficulties later.

Though epilepsy seizures are quite in people, there is no specific cause attributed to it. Multiple factors can trigger the condition, and it is necessary to see a doctor for the best help. Consulting a doctor immediately is necessary if the attack continues for over five minutes or the patient gets the second attack immediately after the first one. Patients who lose their consciousness or faces breathing trouble should also be taken to the doctor at once. Doctor consultation is also necessary if the patient gets heat exhaustion or high fever along with seizure. Injuries are also not uncommon for the seizure and need medical attention. People with diabetes or pregnant women should also take medical guidance without fail.