4 Main Types of Epilepsy
Focal Epilepsy and Generalized Epilepsy
Focal epilepsy is characterized by focal seizures, which only affect one area of the brain. It may begin in one region and spread to others. The earliest symptom may be a seizure with an aura. You may have an uncomfortable sensation in the belly, similar to that when riding the rollercoaster. When focal seizures progress, you may have both non-motor and motor symptoms. Common motor signs include repetitive movements, spasms, jerking, or muscle twitching. Non-motor signs may include goosebumps, waves of cold or hot, emotional changes, or lack of movement. [3]
Generalized epilepsy leads to generalized seizures, which affect both parts of the brain. They can be either non-motor or motor. Motor symptoms tend to involve physical movements, such as rigid or tense muscles, limp or weak limbs, jerking movements, epileptic spasms in the whole body, as well as muscle twitching. Non-motor symptoms may include fluttering eyelids, brief twitches, an abrupt stop of movement, and starring into blank space. This type of epilepsy typically begins in childhood. Nevertheless, it may affect adults as well. [4]
