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Grand Mal |
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Grand mal seizure
A grand mal seizure - also known as a tonic-clonic seizure - is a common type of seizure, characterized by loss of consciousness, falling down, loss of bowel or bladder control, and rhythmic convulsions. Seizures result from an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. Other types of seizures include petit mal seizure and temporal lobe seizure. The causes of seizures can vary. Many times the cause is unknown. Sometimes seizures run in families. Repeated brain seizures characterize a seizure disorder known as epilepsy. Signs and symptoms A typical grand mal seizure starts with a loss of consciousness and falling down. This is followed by a 15- to 20-second period with muscle rigidity (tonic phase) and then a one- to two-minute period of violent, rhythmic convulsions (clonic phase). During a grand mal seizure, you may take on a dusky appearance, resulting from decreased blood oxygen levels due to impaired breathing during the seizure. Most grand mal seizures last from one to two minutes. After the seizure, you may experience a headache and drowsiness or confusion. In most cases, seizures seem to occur randomly. But in rare cases, stimulation by light, sound, touch or reading can trigger a seizure in susceptible people. Sleep deprivation and excessive alcohol use also may trigger seizures. Sometimes the seizures involve only a few muscles, such as one side of the face or one arm or leg. This is called a focal seizure. Causes During normal waking and sleeping, your brain cells produce various electrical discharge patterns. If the electrical discharges by your brain cells become abnormally synchronized, a convulsion or seizure occurs. The abnormal firing of your brain cells can remain localized to a small area or can spread rapidly to involve your entire brain. Often, the cause of a seizure is unknown. Some of the known causes of seizures include:
When to seek medical advice Seek medical advice when any of the following occur:
If you see someone having a seizure, call for medical help immediately and then follow these tips:
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