Understanding the Types of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition which can have multiple signs and symptoms. To make the condition more easily understandable, it is now classified into four types. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, based in Chicago, IL, is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who offers convenient telehealth appointments and consultations to treat the four types of epilepsy.

What You Need To Know About Epilepsy

These are the four main types of epilepsy:

Focal epilepsy, which involves abnormal electrical function in one hemisphere of the brain. Any type of focal seizure can occur.

Generalized epilepsy, which can have several different seizure types, including motor or non-motor seizures, absence seizures, and others.

Combination generalized and focal epilepsy, which involves a combination of generalized and focal seizures.

Unknown, an epileptic syndrome which can’t be categorized as either focal or generalized. Unknown is often used in a setting with limited resources for diagnosis.

These main types of epilepsy can also be subdivided depending on type of seizure:

Non-motor seizures, which are seizures not involving movement of extremities. A child may experience stomach sensations, feel hot or cold, or have alterations in taste and smell.

Motor seizures, which are seizures involving movement of the extremities. A child may experience jerking of the arms, stiffening of the body, and movement of the trunk.

To diagnose the type of epilepsy, your pediatric neurologist will use diagnostic testing including an electroencephalogram or EEG, and a computerized tomography scan or CT scan.

Epilepsy treatment may consist of:

  • Anti-epileptic medications, known as AEDs, to reduce seizures
  • An implanted electrical device to control seizures
  • Surgery to remove a section of the brain causing the seizures

Want To Know More?

To find out more about the types of epilepsy, talk with an expert. Call Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, in Chicago, IL, offering telehealth services across several states. You can reach him by calling (833) 530-3034, so call today. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.

Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition which can have multiple signs and symptoms. To make the condition more easily understandable, it is now classified into four types. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, based in Chicago, IL, is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who offers convenient telehealth appointments and consultations to treat the four types of epilepsy.

What You Need To Know About Epilepsy

These are the four main types of epilepsy:

Focal epilepsy, which involves abnormal electrical function in one hemisphere of the brain. Any type of focal seizure can occur.

Generalized epilepsy, which can have several different seizure types, including motor or non-motor seizures, absence seizures, and others.

Combination generalized and focal epilepsy, which involves a combination of generalized and focal seizures.

Unknown, an epileptic syndrome which can’t be categorized as either focal or generalized. Unknown is often used in a setting with limited resources for diagnosis.

These main types of epilepsy can also be subdivided depending on type of seizure:

Non-motor seizures, which are seizures not involving movement of extremities. A child may experience stomach sensations, feel hot or cold, or have alterations in taste and smell.

Motor seizures, which are seizures involving movement of the extremities. A child may experience jerking of the arms, stiffening of the body, and movement of the trunk.

To diagnose the type of epilepsy, your pediatric neurologist will use diagnostic testing including an electroencephalogram or EEG, and a computerized tomography scan or CT scan.

Epilepsy treatment may consist of:

  • Anti-epileptic medications, known as AEDs, to reduce seizures
  • An implanted electrical device to control seizures
  • Surgery to remove a section of the brain causing the seizures

Want To Know More?

To find out more about the types of epilepsy, talk with an expert. Call Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, in Chicago, IL, offering telehealth services across several states. You can reach him by calling (833) 530-3034, so call today. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.