Seizure Types and Priorities

Seizures are classified by onset: focal (starting in one brain area) or generalized (both hemispheres from start). Focal seizures may be focal aware (patient remains conscious) or focal with impaired awareness (consciousness impaired). Generalized seizures include: tonic-clonic (stiffening then jerking, loss of consciousness, postictal confusion), absence (brief staring spells 5-30 seconds, no postictal confusion), myoclonic (brief shock-like jerks), tonic (sustained stiffening), atonic (drop attacks — sudden loss of tone), and clonic (rhythmic jerking). The practical nurse must recognize seizure types, implement seizure precautions, protect patients, time duration, document observations accurately, and report to the RN or physician.