There are several different types of seizures that may affect children. They include:

• Tonic-clonic seizure. A powerful type of seizure, it is also known as a generalized convulsive or grand mal seizure. A child who experiences this type of seizure may fall to the floor and become unconscious as muscles tense up, eyes roll back in the head and saliva production increases. Seconds after falling, the child’s entire body may begin to shake violently and rhythmically. Labored breathing and loss of bladder or bowel control may follow. Typically, these seizures are not dangerous. Nevertheless, parents should seek medical care. A seizure that lasts for more than 15 minutes or if seizures follow in succession without the child waking is known as status epilepticus and is a medical emergency.
  
  
• Absence seizure. Also known as a petit mal seizure, it involves a momentary loss of consciousness so mild that it may not be noticed by others. Children who experience this type of seizure may suddenly have a blank look on their face, appear to be staring off into space or drop something they were holding. Eyelids may droop or blink and muscles may twitch. Each episode lasts for just a few moments, making this type of seizure difficult to recognize and diagnose.
  
  
• Complex partial seizures. Also known as psychomotor or limbic seizures, they originate in one part of the brain and cause symptoms that vary depending on the part of the brain involved. One common type affects the part of the brain responsible for language, smell and other functions (the temporal lobe). Children who have this type of seizure may report an unpleasant odor and extreme anxiety. In some cases, complex partial seizures lead to grand mal seizures. It is not uncommon for children to be unaware of a complex partial seizure after it has occurred.
  
  
• Infantile seizures. Typically occur during the first year of life and cause the infant’s entire body to flex or extend. Also known as infantile spasms, they tend to last for several minutes and occur in clusters.