Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are what most people think of as epilepsy. The seizure begins with a sudden loss of consciousness. The person may also give a sharp cry, which is caused by the sudden contraction of the abdominal muscles forcing air from the lungs through the larynx. Because there is a brief cessation of breathing, the skin may turn blue. The clonic phase then follows, consisting of jerking contractual movements of the major muscle groups.
Breathing resumes, but is heavy and irregular, causing frothing of saliva.
The person may bite his or her tongue or lose bladder or bowel control. Following the seizure, the person may have a headache, be confused, and want to sleep. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures usually last from three to five minutes. Autonomic seizures are partial seizures involving the part of the brain that controls the autonomic nervous system. Seizure activity includes headaches, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, or similar symptoms that recur without apparent cause.