Epilepsy

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

Below are the two main types of epilepsy, and their respective symptoms:

1. Focal seizures
   • Usually affects only one part of the body
   • Results in sensory, motor or autonomic disturbances
   • The patient may be conscious or unconscious
2. Generalised seizures
• May start as a focal seizure and spread throughout the whole brain
• Loss of consciousness usually lasting 30 seconds to 5 minutes
• Usually rhythmic muscle jerking lasting 1 to 2 minutes
• May cause tongue biting, incontinence and difficulty in breathing
  

If a person experiences continuous seizures for more than 3 to 5 minutes; or on-and-off seizures without regaining consciousness in between, call 995 or go to the Emergency Department immediately.

He/she is having a serious seizure and this is a medical emergency.