Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

This type of seizure used to be known as a grand mal seizure and is characterized by the tonic phase: muscle stiffening, crying or groaning and loss of consciousness.    After the tonic phase comes the clonic phase:  arms and legs jerk rapidly and rhythmically.  Sometimes bladder or bowel control is lost and consciousness returns slowly.  Often the patient feels drugged or drowsy. 

These seizures generally last from 1 to 3 minutes. If they last longer, they usually require emergency treatment.

Patients Affected:  Generalized tonic-clonic seizures affect both children and adults.

Treatment:  Often, tonic-clonic seizures can be controlled by seizure medicines.