This type of seizure, which usually lasts a few minutes, typically includes a sudden fall, followed by muscle spasms, slowed breathing, pale or bluish skin, and possible loss of bodily functions.

This type of seizure is seen mostly in children and includes what could look like a quick blank stare. This may be followed by rapid blinking or chewing movements. Generalized absence seizures often occur throughout the day.

An atomic seizure can cause abrupt loss of muscle tone that can cause a sudden fall of the head or body—usually lasting about 15 seconds or less.

The body may suddenly stiffen, which may cause the person to fall if they’re standing. Tonic seizures typically lasts less than 20 seconds.

This type of seizure involves a sudden, involuntary jerking motion to the body, caused by contracting muscles. Although brief, myoclonic seizures often occur in clusters.

Also known as a complex partial seizure, this type of seizure often starts with blank stare, followed by chewing, walking about, random movements, vocalizations, picking at clothing, or other involuntary actions that the individual cannot control. These seizures usually last about 1-2 minutes and may be mistaken for mental illness, drug use, intoxication, aggression, or behavior problems.

The person is fully aware during this type of seizure—also known as a simple partial seizure—which may involve jerking or other involuntary body movements, sensory distortions or hallucinations, unusual physical or emotions, changes in bodily functions, and/or other symptoms.

Also known as a secondarily generalized seizure, this type of seizure typically begins in one part of the brain and spreads to both sides of the brain to become a tonic-clonic seizure.