The other major category of seizures are generalized seizures. These seizures generally cause loss of consciousness, falls or massive muscles spasms. Generalized seizures are also broken down into different types. In absence or petit mal seizures the person may appear to be staring into space. With tonic seizures the muscles of the body stiffen, generally those in the back, legs, and arms.
Clonic seizures cause repeated jerking movements of muscles on both sides of the body.
Epilepsy is a condition that results when a person has recurrent seizures. There are more than twenty different seizure disorders. The most easily recognized is the convulsion seizure that is characterized by shaking movements of the body and a period of decreased mental awareness. Other, less apparent forms of seizures may affect a person's awareness, muscle control or sensory perception. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.