Types of Seizures

There are many different types of seizures associated with Dravet Syndrome. Patterns of seizures can change over time.

Seizures are classified into three major types, depending on the part of the brain they affect:

Focal onset seizures (previously called partial seizures) start on one side of the brain.
Generalised onset seizures affect both sides of the brain at the same time.
Unknown onset seizures means we don’t know where the seizure starts in the brain.

How seizures are classified

Seizures can also be classified based on:

their trigger. For example, febrile seizures are often caused by a high temperature.
their symptoms. For example, myoclonic seizures often happen in clusters or when someone has woken up.

How do you identify different types of seizures?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) test or scan can help doctors identify seizure types and decide on the best treatment for someone with Dravet Syndrome. The test is a recording of electrical activity in the brain.

The brain constantly produces tiny electrical signals. During an EEG test, small sensors are placed on someone’s head to pick up the electrical signals from inside their brain, which are then recorded on the EEG machine.

Initial seizures

Seizures usually start in the first year of life. Find out what they might look like.

Seizures in early childhood

Discover what types of seizures a child might experience between the ages of one and five years old.

Seizures in later childhood and the teenage years

Learn more about the types of seizures a child will experience as they get older.

Seizures in adulthood

Understand how seizure patterns can change when someone with Dravet Syndrome becomes an adult.