Grand Mal Seizure

A grand mal seizure, also called a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, is a type of seizure in which abnormal electrical activity affects both sides of the brain at the same time, causing loss of consciousness and involuntary muscle movements.

How does it manifest? It generally includes stiffening of the body followed by rhythmic jerking, possible biting of the tongue, and disorientation upon recovery. Many people do not remember what happened during the episode.

When to seek care? A prolonged, repeated, or first-time episode requires prompt evaluation; in those cases the emergency physician provides the initial care.

Follow-up: The medium-term study and management fall to the neurologist, who evaluates the cause and the pattern of the seizures. Seeking care in time makes it possible to better understand the condition and reduce the associated risks.