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A generalized tonic–clonic seizure, commonly known as a grand mal seizure or GTCS, [1] is a type of generalized seizure that produces bilateral, convulsive tonic and clonic muscle contractions. Tonic–clonic seizures are the seizure type most commonly associated with epilepsy and seizures in general and the most common seizure associated ...
A seizure is a paroxysmal episode of symptoms or altered behavior arising from abnormal excessive or synchronous brain neuronal activity. [5] A focal onset seizure arises from a biological neural network within one cerebral hemisphere, while a generalized onset seizure arises from within the cerebral hemispheres rapidly involving both hemispheres.
[12] [13] Generalized seizures have been broadly classified into two categories: motor and non-motor. [8] A generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS), also known as a grand mal seizure, is a whole-body seizure that has a tonic phase followed by clonic muscle retrenchments. [14] [15] GTCSs can happen in people of all ages. [15]
Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and typically involve both sides of the body. [3] They all involve a loss of consciousness and usually happen without warning. [3] [13] There are six main types of generalized seizures: tonic-clonic, tonic, clonic, myoclonic, absence, and atonic seizures. [3]
Generalized epilepsy is a form of epilepsy characterised by generalised seizures with no apparent cause. [1] Generalized seizures, as opposed to focal seizures, are a type of seizure that impairs consciousness and distorts the electrical activity of the whole or a larger portion of the brain (which can be seen, for example, on electroencephalography, EEG).
Tonic-clonic seizures occur with a contraction of the limbs followed by their extension and arching of the back which lasts 10–30 seconds (the tonic phase). A cry may be heard due to contraction of the chest muscles, followed by a shaking of the limbs in unison (clonic phase). Tonic seizures produce constant contractions of the muscles.
Tonic-clonic seizures: seizures with repetitive sequences of stiffening and jerking of the extremities. Myoclonic seizures: seizures with rapid, brief contractions of muscles. Atonic seizures: seizures with a sudden loss of muscle tone, often resulting in sudden collapse. These are also called drop seizures or astatic seizures.
The seizures can be of the tonic–clonic type, with a regular pattern of contraction and extension of the arms and legs, or of types that do not involve contractions, such as absence seizures or complex partial seizures. [1] Status epilepticus is a life-threatening medical emergency, particularly if treatment is delayed. [1]