The characteristics of seizures can vary widely. Some can be relatively mild, like a brief, trance-like state that could be confused with daydreaming. But during severe seizures, a person can lose consciousness, fall to the ground and convulse violently. These impulses govern everything you do, from breathing to driving a car to enjoying your favorite compact disc. But in the brains of people with epilepsy, this electrical activity sometimes goes askew, leading to a wide range of seizures.
Some people have only one type of seizure, while others have more than one.
Doctors admit there are large gaps in their understanding of epilepsy. Contrary to what you might expect, neurons normally fire in a seemingly random pattern. These pulses can galvanize nearby neurons to join in, and, in some cases, encompass the entire brain, resulting in a seizure. Roughly two-thirds of people with epilepsy experience complex partial seizures. During these, people aren't aware of their actions.