Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Alternative Names: Seizure - tonic-clonic; Seizure - grand mal; Grand mal seizure; Seizure - generalized

A generalized tonic-clonic seizure is a seizure involving the entire body. It is also called a grand mal seizure. The terms "seizure," convulsion," or "epilepsy" are most often associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

For more information see:

• Seizures
• Epilepsy

Causes of Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures may occur in people of any age. They may occur once (single episode), or as part of a repeated, chronic condition (epilepsy).

Generalized tonic-clonic seizure Symptoms

Many patients with generalized tonic-clonic seizures have vision, taste, smell, or sensory changes, hallucinations, or dizziness before the seizure. This is called an aura.

The seizures usually involve muscle rigidity, followed by violent muscle contractions, and loss of alertness (consciousness).Other symptoms that occur during the seizure may include:

• Biting the cheek or tongue
• Clenched teeth or jaw
• Loss of urine or stool control (incontinence)
• Stopped breathing or difficulty breathing
• Blue skin color

After the seizure, the person may have:

• Normal breathing
• Sleepiness that lasts for 1 hour or longer
• Loss of memory (amnesia) regarding events surrounding the seizure episode
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Weakness of one side of the body for a few minutes to a few hours following seizure (called Todd's paralysis)

For more information about diagnosis and treatment, see:

• Epilepsy
• Seizures

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Krumholz A, Wiebe S, Gronseth G, et al. Practice parameter: evaluating an apparent unprovoked first seizure in adults (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Neurology. 2007;69:1991-2007.

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Central nervous system

Review Date: 2/17/2011
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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