What is the tonic phase of a seizure?

In the tonic phase the body becomes entire rigid, and in the clonic phase there is uncontrolled jerking. Tonic-clonic seizures may or may not be preceded by an aura, and are often followed by headache, confusion, and sleep. They may last mere seconds, or continue for several minutes. Also known as a grand mal seizure.

Are tonic-clonic seizures life threatening?

Can someone die from a tonic-clonic seizure? It is possible to die from a tonic-clonic seizure. For example, some people may fatally injure themselves while having a seizure, or they may drown if they have a seizure in water. It is also possible for someone to die from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

How long does a tonic seizure last?

Tonic-clonic seizures last between one and three minutes. Any seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes will need medical attention.

What do Generalised seizures involve?

Generalized seizures include absence, atonic, tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and febrile seizures. Loss of consciousness may be accompanied by spasms, stiffening, shaking, muscle contractions or loss of muscle tone.

Are tonic-clonic seizures always epilepsy?

Tonic-clonic seizures are the type of epileptic seizure most people recognise. In the past they were called grand-mal seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures can have a generalised onset, meaning they affect both sides of the brain from the start.

How do you stop tonic seizures?

Seizure medicines are the main way of treating and preventing tonic seizures. If seizures are not controlled with medications, other options may be possible, such as dietary therapies, devices, or even surgery.

Are tonic seizures epilepsy?

What causes Generalised epilepsy?

A grand mal seizure — also known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure — is caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain. Usually, a grand mal seizure is caused by epilepsy.

What is epilepsy with generalized tonic clonic seizures alone?

EPILEPSY WITH GENERALIZED TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES ALONE. OVERVIEW. This syndrome (previously known as epilepsy with grand mal seizures on awakening) is a common genetic/idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Individuals have infrequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures from the second decade of life, typically provoked by sleep deprivation.

What is epilepsy with grand mal seizures?

This syndrome (previously known as epilepsy with grand mal seizures on awakening) is a common genetic/idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Individuals have infrequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures from the second decade of life, typically provoked by sleep deprivation.

What is the prognosis of tonic-clonic seizures (TCS)?

Prognosis The prognosis for generalized tonic-clonic seizures is dependent on the cause of the seizure and risk factors for the patient.  On average, the risk of recurrent seizures is about 40% based on observational studies.

What causes EGTCs seizures?

Genetics of EGTCS is complex. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures occur in everyone with this syndrome. They happen most often within 1 to 2 hours of waking up from sleep, which is why it is also known as epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures on awakening.