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Seizure types

Back to Epileptic Seizures

There are many different types of seizures. On this page we tell you about the most common seizure types, such as generalised and focal seizure types.

This information is for people affected by or concerned about seizures. Use this page as a general guide and speak to a health professional for more information and support

In this section

Seizure onset

Seizure classification

Seizure onset

An epileptic seizure happens when there is a sudden electrical discharge in the brain. It can happen in different parts of the brain.

The seizure type and the symptoms you have depends on what part of the brain the sudden electrical discharge happens.

A diagram shows the difference between generalised seizures and focal seizures with explanations of each.

Where a seizure starts is known as the seizure onset. You might hear doctors and nurses talk about ‘generalised onset’ or ‘focal onset’ seizures. This describes where in the brain the seizure starts.

An image of a nurse, Kirsten, sits beside a title for a video 'Epilepsy diagnosed explained' by Young Epilepsy.

What are the seizure types?

Listen to epilepsy consultant nurse Kirsten describe how focal and generalised seizures are defined.

Seizure classification

Seizures can be classified into these four groups:

Focal (or focal onset) seizures

Focal onset seizures start in one part of the brain. However, sometimes a focal seizure can start in one part and then spread to other parts of the brain.

Find more information of focal seizures

Generalised (or generalised onset) seizures

Generalised onset seizures start in multiple parts of the brain. It includes absence seizures and generalised tonic-clonic seizures.

Find more information of general seizures

Unknown

Sometimes, it is not clear where the seizure started.

Unclassified

There is no available information to describe the seizure, but the doctor can confirm that it is an epileptic seizure.

Focal and unknown seizures are then also classified by whether your consciousness is either preserved or impaired during the seizure.

Seizures can also be further classified based on visible signs and movements. Try taking clear seizure records as this can help doctors work out what kind of seizure occurred.

Download our keeping records of seizures form

Last updated July 2025.

We’re currently reviewing this information. The next update will be 2027. If you would like to find out more about how we produce our information, or the sources of evidence we use, please contact us at healthinfo@youngepilepsy.org.uk