Which type of seizure involves both cerebral hemispheres and typically causes loss of consciousness with tonic-clonic activity lasting 1-3 minutes followed by a postictal state?

• A. Partial seizures
• B. Absence seizures
• C. Generalized seizures
• D. Febrile seizures

Answer: (C)

Generalized seizures involve both hemispheres from the onset, so consciousness is usually lost. The classic presentation is a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, with stiffening (tonic) followed by jerking (clonic) that typically lasts about 1–3 minutes, followed by a postictal state of confusion or drowsiness as the brain recovers. This pattern fits the description best. Absence seizures cause brief lapses of consciousness without tonic-clonic movements or a postictal period. Partial (focal) seizures start in a specific area and may or may not affect consciousness; they can sometimes spread to become generalized, but they don’t inherently involve both hemispheres from the start. Febrile seizures happen in children with fever and are usually generalized but the key features described—loss of consciousness with 1–3 minutes of tonic-clonic activity and a postictal state—align with generalized seizures.