What are epileptic seizures?

Seizures are intense bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affects how it works. 

There are many different types of seizure. The classification of seizures is based on their origin in the brain and their impact. The primary categories are focal seizures and generalised seizures.

Focal seizures (partial seizures) begin in one area of the brain.
Generalised seizures (tonic-clonic) involve all areas of the brain.

During some types of seizure, the person may remain alert and aware of what’s going on around them and with other types they may lose awareness. They may have unusual sensations, feelings or movements, or they may go stiff, fall to the floor and jerk.

Some people only have one type of seizure and some people have more than one type.