Cause There are many possible causes of seizures. The symptoms of a seizure depend on the type of seizure. In tonic-clonic seizures, there is sudden loss of consciousness followed by stiffening of the body and then generalized jerking of the arms and legs. There may be tongue biting and incontinence. These tonic-clonic seizures last for a few minutes and are usually followed by feelings of confusion.
Absence seizures are sudden blank spells.
The patient stops moving, stares into space and may exhibit eye blinking. These spells may last for only a few seconds but occur throughout the day. Although this type of seizure is more common in children, it also occurs in adults. In simple partial seizures, there is no loss of consciousness while the patient experiences uncontrolled movement of an arm, leg or both. Complex partial seizures are distinguished by confusion or loss of awareness that accompanies the seizure.