TYPES OF SEIZURES: FOCAL SEIZURES: start in PART of the brain. This is the most common type of seizure. Formerly called"partial seizures," these usually last less than 5 minutes. Since the seizures originate in different parts of the brain the outward signs of the seizure can vary greatly from person to person. FOCAL SEIZURE WITHOUT ALTERATION A person remains awake and alert IN AWARENESS but may have symptoms that affect their senses, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there. Unusual occur. Sometimes simple partial seizures precede other types of seizures and are called"auras." FOCAL SEIZURE WITH ALTERATION IN AWARENESS: An individual may be unresponsive to touch or sound or exhibit unusual movements such as picking at clothing or lip smacking called automatisms. Sometimes the seizure will generalize(spread from part of the brain to all of the brain).