What causes a tonic-clonic seizure?
What causes a tonic-clonic seizure?
A grand mal seizure — also known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure — is caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain. Usually, a grand mal seizure is caused by epilepsy.
What is tonic phase of seizure?
In the tonic phase the body becomes entire rigid, and in the clonic phase there is uncontrolled jerking. Tonic-clonic seizures may or may not be preceded by an aura, and are often followed by headache, confusion, and sleep. They may last mere seconds, or continue for several minutes. Also known as a grand mal seizure.
What to do if someone has a tonic-clonic seizure?
For someone having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure:
- Give them room. Keep other people back.
- Clear hard or sharp objects, like glasses and furniture, away.
- Cushion their head.
- Loosen clothing around their neck, if you can safely.
- Don’t try to hold them down or stop their movements.
What’s the difference between tonic and clonic seizures?
Tonic and clonic seizures affect the muscles. Tonic seizures cause a stiffening of muscles while clonic seizures are characterized by jerking or twitching.
Can a tonic clonic seizure be a grand mal seizure?
Tonic and clonic seizure activity can happen in the same seizure. A tonic-clonic seizure is the modern term for a grand mal seizure. If someone near you has a seizure: Do not put anything in the person’s mouth.
Can a person be unconscious during a clonic seizure?
During a generalized seizure, the person may be unconscious. Clonic seizures can occur in people of all ages, including newborns and infants. First aid for a person having a tonic or clonic seizure involves protecting the person from injury, such as moving furniture or other items out of the way.
Is there such a thing as a grand mal seizure?
It is also called grand mal seizure. The terms seizure, convulsion, or epilepsy are most often associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Seizures result from overactivity in the brain. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures may occur in people of any age. They can occur once (single episode).
When to use ictal or postictal Seizure State?
In absence seizures, focal seizures with impaired awareness, and myoclonic seizures, it is harder to distinguish ictal from the postictal state.[1] The practical implication of the postictal state is when it is safe for the patient to return to activity without risking his/her or other’s safety. It may also have a localizing value.