Generalized tonic-clonic seizure Health Article

Definition

A generalized tonic-clonic seizure is a seizure involving the entire body. It is also called a grand mal seizure. Such seizures usually involve muscle rigidity, violent muscle contractions, and loss of consciousness.

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the type of seizure that most people associate with the term "seizure," convulsion, or epilepsy. They may occur in people of any age, as a single episode, or as part of a repeated, chronic condition (epilepsy).

For more information see:

• Seizures
• Epilepsy
• Fever (febrile) convulsions
• Petit mal or absence seizures
• Partial (focal) seizures

Alternative Names

Seizure - tonic-clonic; Seizure - grand mal; Grand mal seizure; Seizure - generalized

Symptoms

Many patients have an aura (a sensory warning sign) before the seizure. This can include vision, taste, smell, or sensory changes, hallucinations, or dizziness.

The seizure itself involves:

• Loss of consciousness or fainting, usually lasting between 30 seconds and 5 minutes
• General muscle contraction and rigidity (tonic posture), usually lasting 15-20 seconds
• Violent rhythmic muscle contraction and relaxation (clonic movement), usually lasting for 1-2 minutes
• Biting the cheek or tongue, clenched teeth or jaw
• Incontinence (loss of urine or stool control)
• Stopped breathing or difficulty breathing during seizure
• Blue skin color

Almost all people lose consciousness, and most people have both tonic and clonic muscle activity.

After the seizure, the person usually has:

• Normal breathing
• Sleepiness lasts for one hour or longer
• Loss of memory (amnesia) regarding events surrounding the seizure episode
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Confusion, temporary and mild
• Weakness for up to 24-48 hours following seizure (This is called Todd's paralysis)