Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or compulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

There are two main types of dangerous seizures: Focal oneset seizures, and generalized seizures.

Focal onset seizures start in a single part of the brain. Her arm might start to move or her face start to twitch. And even though she's awake and aware, she can't control it. She might seem to zone out or stare at nothing as the seizure becomes complex. Afterward, she may not remember a thing.

Generalized seizures involve multiple areas of the brain at once. People are rarely aware of what's happening. The most well-known type falls in this group: the generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also known as a grand mal seizure. These are frightening to watch and can be an emergency.

They have a set sequence of events:

- The person may become unresponsive. They doesn't answer if you call. They won't react if you wave a hand in their face or shake them. They may suddenly collapse.

- Their muscles clench and they become rigid as a board. This is the tonic phase. It lasts a few seconds.

- Next, a series of jerking movements convulse their body. This is the clonic phase. It can last a few seconds or several minutes.

- Eventually, the jerking stops and they regains consciousness. They may be confused or disoriented for a short period.

Milder seizures -- like brief periods of staring or shaking of the arms or legs -- aren't emergencies. But you should gently guide the person away from threats. They may be in a state like sleepwalking, where traffic or stairs pose a danger. All seizure activity should be reported to their doctor..

First Aid for seizures is a matter of taking precautions.

- Keep other people out of the way.

- Clear hard or sharp objects away from the person.

- Don't try to hold them down or stop the movements.

- Place them on her side, to help keep their airway clear.

- Look at your watch at the start of the seizure, to time its length.

- Don't put anything in their mouth. Contrary to a popular myth, you can't swallow your tongue during a seizure. But if you put an object in their mouth, they could damage their teeth or bite you.