What is the Definition of a Tonic-Clonic Seizure?

Symptoms of a tonic-clonic seizure involve the whole body, and are characterized by uncontrolled muscle jerking and unconsciousness. This kind of seizure is commonly referred to as grand mal, and affects all age groups. Tonic-clonic seizures can be severe and, in extreme instances, fatal ---thus, caregivers must follow safety precautions when tending to a patient during and after this type of seizure.

Understanding Epilepsy and Tonic-Clonic Seizures

• People experiencing more than one tonic-clonic seizure are usually diagnosed with epilepsy, a seizure disorder. A neurologist reviews a patient's health history and orders specific examinations and labwork to confirm an epileptic seizure, rather than a fainting episode, transient ischemic attack, or other non-epileptic seizure. Epileptic seizures are caused by electrical disruptions in the brain that can be verified by an electroencephalogram (EEG), which records brain waves. A patient with epilepsy may never have a tonic-clonic seizure, but does experience other types of seizures with different symptoms.

Generalized Seizures and Tonic-Clonic Seizures

• Seizure types are categorized as partial and general. Partial seizures occur when abnormal electric impulses affect only one part of the brain. A generalized seizure involves and affects both hemispheres of the brain; this category includes absence (petit mal), myoclonic, atonic and tonic-clonic seizures. Absence seizures present with slight body movement accompanied by trance-like staring. Myoclonic seizures are characterized by bilateral shock-like jerking of the limbs, and atonic "drop" seizures result in a total loss of muscle control that may cause a person to fall. Tonic-clonic seizures are the most violent and most common type of generalized seizure.

The Tonic-Clonic Seizure

• The seizure begins with a tonic phase, during which the muscles stiffen. The patient may emit a sudden cry as air is forced out of the vocal cords, after which loss of consciousness occurs and the clonic phase begins. This phase is characterized by uncontrolled jerking, twitching or flexing of the limbs that eventually slows down and ceases. Patients experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure may bite their tongues or the inside of their mouths and can be incontinent. A tonic-clonic seizure lasts from 1 to 3 minutes on average.

Tonic-Clonic Seizure First Aid

• It is important to remain calm when tending to a patient experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure, and to clear the area of sharp objects and surfaces. Someone suffering a seizure will not swallow his tongue but he can bite---caregivers must not insert anything into the mouth, including their fingers. Loosen clothing and place a pillow or other soft object under the patient's head; turn the patient on her side to allow a clear airway. Do not restrain the person's movements, and only begin artificial respiration if the person stops breathing. Time the seizure: A tonic-clonic seizure lasting more than 5 minutes signals the need for medical assistance. A seizure that lasts for more than 30 minutes, or several tonic-clonic seizures occurring in rapid succession, are indicative of status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition wherein the brain is in a persistent state of seizure with no recovery. Emergency services must be summoned immediately.

After the Tonic-Clonic Seizure

• Tonic-clonic seizures are particularly intense. Extreme confusion and headache usually occur after the seizure; patients may feel the need to sleep or rest for an extended period. Alertness is regained after rest, but patients must not drive after experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure.