Causes of Grand Mal Seizures

The Merck Index defines a seizure as a periodic disturbance in the brain's electrical activity that results in some degree of temporary brain dysfunction. A grand-mal seizure is a specific type of seizure that can be caused by a number of underlying health reasons, or the cause can also be unknown.

Definition

• A grand-mal seizure is classified as a generalized seizure because it is caused by an electrical disturbance in the central part of the brain that radiates and eventually impacts the entire brain. Because of this, grand-mal seizures often lead to convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Causes in Children

• Under the age of 2, tonic-clonic seizures are most commonly caused by high body temperatures or metabolic changes. Metabolic changes can include abnormal levels of glucose, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6 or sodium in the bloodstream. If the seizure cannot be attributed to one of these two reasons, it is likely related to a birth defect or hereditary abnormality.

Causes Under Age 25

• Between the ages of 2 and 25, most seizures are idiopathic, or have an unknown cause (for instance, they might be associated with a single event rather than a disorder). Often, they can be attributed to temporary irritations of the brain, such as an injury, drug use, sleep deprivation or an infection.

Causes After Age 25

• After age 25, grand mal seizures are typically attributed to head injuries, strokes or tumor. Further, in individuals with alcohol addictions, a sudden stoppage of drinking can cause a seizure because of alcohol withdrawal. However, even after age 25, the underlying cause of seizures is unknown.

One-Time Seizures

• According to the Merck Index, about two-thirds of the individuals that have a seizure never experience a second one. These seizures are often classified as idiopathic, or unknown in cause, and rarely is there a repeat occurrence. Typically, a doctor does not diagnose a seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, until the patient has at least two unprovoked seizures.