There are two groups of seizures: generalized seizures, which affect both sides of the brain, and focal or partial seizures, located in just one area of the brain. And within each group of seizures, there are different types of seizures. Focal seizures only happen in one part of the brain. That’s why they’re also called partial seizures. There are three types of focal seizures: Complex focal seizures, which can make a person dazed or confused and unable to respond or talk for a few minutes.
Secondary generalized seizures begin in one part of the brain and then spread to both sides of the brain.
Simple focal seizures affect a small part of the brain and cause twitching or a change in taste or smell.
General seizures can come two forms: Absence seizures (also known as petit mal seizures) cause rapid blinking or a few seconds of staring into space.
Tonic-clonic seizures (also known as a grand mal seizures) can cause muscle jerks or spasms, crying out, losing consciousness or falling to the ground.