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Classification of Epilepsy

The ILE (1989) Classification of Epilepsy (different types of seizures)

The International Classification of seizures divides them into two major categories, partial and generalized seizures. However there are several different types of seizures in each of these categories.

Seizure Diagram

Epilepsy seizure diagrams of the brain

A. Primary Generalized Seizure

B. Partial Seizure

C. Partial Seizure with Secondary Generalization

Seizure Category 6 main seizure types

Generalised Seizures

  • Tonic-clonic (Grand mal) primary or secondary types
  • Absence (Petit mal)
  • Myoclonic
  • Tonic
  • Clonic
  • Atonic
  3 main seizure types

Partial Seizures

  • Simple partial
  • Complex partial
  • Complex partial evolving to generalised tonic-clonic

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Amended November 2008