Grand Mal Seizure – Symptoms and Causes
What Are Tonic-Clonic Seizures?
Tonic-clonic seizures are a type of seizure that causes loss of consciousness and strong muscle movements. These seizures were formerly known as grand mal seizures. They are what many people think of when they hear the word “seizure.”
Seizures happen when there’s a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. This causes changes in how a person moves and behaves. There are two main types:
- Focal Seizures: Electrical activity starts in one area of the brain.
- Generalized Seizures: Electrical activity happens throughout the brain.
Tonic-clonic seizures often begin as focal seizures that spread to become generalized. When this happens, the person typically loses consciousness.
During a tonic-clonic seizure, a person experiences two phases:
- Tonic Phase: Muscles become stiff, causing the person to fall.
- Clonic Phase: Muscles alternate between tensing and relaxing.
Common causes of tonic-clonic seizures include:
- Epilepsy (most common cause)
- High fever
- Brain injury or damage
Some people might have just one tonic-clonic seizure in their lifetime and never need treatment. Others experience repeated seizures and require medical help.
Treatment options include:
- Daily anti-seizure medications
- Surgery in some cases
- Dietary changes
People with recurring seizures should work with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan. With proper care, many people can manage their seizures effectively.
Signs and Phases
Tonic-clonic seizures happen in two distinct stages:
Tonic Phase (10-20 seconds)
- Person may make a sound like a groan or yell
- Muscles suddenly stiffen
- Person falls down
- Consciousness is lost
Clonic Phase (1-2 minutes)
- Muscles contract rhythmically
- Arms and legs jerk
- Muscles flex and relax in turns
Other symptoms that may occur include:
- Control Issues: Loss of bowel and bladder function during or after the seizure.
- Delayed Response: Not becoming aware for several minutes after convulsions end.
- Mental Fog: Feeling confused and disoriented afterward.
- Extreme Tiredness: Feeling very sleepy after the seizure.
- Head Pain: Bad headaches following the seizure.
When to Get Medical Help
Call emergency services (911) right away if:
- The seizure continues for more than five minutes
- The person doesn’t start breathing normally or wake up after the seizure
- Another seizure happens right away
- The person has a high fever
- The person shows signs of heat exhaustion
- The person is pregnant
- The person has diabetes
- The person gets injured during the seizure
Visit a healthcare provider after a first-time seizure.
Also see a doctor if you or your child:
- Has more seizures than usual for no clear reason
- Experiences new seizure symptoms
Causes
Tonic-clonic seizures happen when the brain experiences a sudden burst of electrical activity. Normally, brain cells (neurons) communicate through controlled electrical and chemical signals across connection points called synapses.
During a tonic-clonic seizure, many neurons fire all at once and much faster than normal, creating an electrical storm across the brain’s surface. The exact trigger for this disruption often remains unknown.
Several health conditions can lead to tonic-clonic seizures:
Brain Injuries and Infections: Severe head trauma, brain infections like encephalitis or meningitis, and even past infections can trigger these seizures. Strokes and brain-degenerating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease may also cause them.
- Birth and Development Issues: Problems such as improperly formed blood vessels in the brain or brain tumors can lead to seizures.
Chemical Imbalances: When blood levels of important substances like glucose, sodium, calcium, or magnesium drop too low, seizures may occur.
- Substance Use Problems: Using certain drugs or alcohol, or experiencing withdrawal from these substances, can trigger tonic-clonic seizures.
The brain’s delicate electrical balance can be disrupted by these various factors, resulting in the characteristic convulsions and loss of consciousness seen during tonic-clonic seizures.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the chance of having tonic-clonic seizures:
- Family history of seizure disorders
- Brain injuries from trauma, stroke, or infections
- Lack of sleep
- Mineral imbalances in the body
- Use of illegal drugs
- Heavy alcohol consumption
Possible Risks and Dangers
Seizures can create several dangerous situations. These risks affect safety and well-being in various ways.
Physical Injury Risks:
- Falls and injuries during seizures may cause head trauma or broken bones.
- Drowning hazards can occur when seizures happen while swimming or bathing.
- Driving dangers can happen when seizures affect awareness or physical control.
Having a seizure while driving or operating machinery puts both you and others at serious risk. If you have seizure disorders, always follow medical advice about driving restrictions.
Health Concerns:
- Pregnancy with seizure disorders requires special attention.
- Some seizure medications may affect fetal development.
- You need medical supervision throughout pregnancy.
- Medication adjustments might be necessary before conception.
Seizure disorders can also impact mental health. People with seizures face higher rates of depression and anxiety. Children might develop ADHD more frequently. These emotional challenges may stem from living with the condition or from medication side effects.
