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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 also several different types of seizures in each of these categories.

Seizure Diagram

Schematised pictures 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