Table 1.

Types and characteristic signs of generalized seizures

Type of seizure	Characteristic signs
Absence (petit-mal)	Staring or eye flickering
	Some body movements may occur
	No convulsions or postictal symptoms
Myoclonic	Symmetric jerking of the extremities
Clonic	Rapid, repetitive motor activity
Tonic	Rigidity
Tonic-clonic (grand-mal)	Tonic stiffening (extension) followed by clonic flexion motions
	May produce labored respirations, cyanosis, incontinence, involuntary tongue biting (sensitive but not specific sign), and postictal confusion, fatigue, or stupor
Atonic	Sudden loss of postural tone