Grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures: Causes, symptoms, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is a tonic-clonic grand mal seizure Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Veronica Zambon — Updated on May 30, 2022A generalized tonic-clonic seizure makes a person’s whole body twitch, jerk, and become unconscious. “Grand mal” is an older term for this type of seizure. These seizures may be dangerous and can cause injury. Often, they are caused by epilepsy. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of tonic-clonic seizures. It will also look at the risk factors, possible lasting effects, and how to help someone having a seizure. What is a tonic-clonic grand mal seizure Share on Pinterestfmajor/Getty ImagesEpilepsy, a brain condition, commonly causes tonic-clonic seizures. Certain medications, some infections, and several other health conditions may also cause them. During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, a person experiences rapid involuntary alternating jerking and stiffening of the body. This can involve the torso, arms, and legs on both sides of the body. They are unaware of their surroundings and become unresponsive, sometimes losing consciousness. Previously, these seizures were called “grand mal.” This is an outdated term — medical professionals now use the term “tonic-clonic.” What does a tonic-clonic seizure look like Tonic-clonic seizures can last just a few seconds or up to several minutes. Symptoms can include:an aura, such as a change in mood, strange tastes or smells, or headachestiffening musclesblue skin or lipsjerky movements in large muscle groupsfoaming at the mouth or biting the tongueloss of bowel or bladder control After the seizure, there is usually a post-ictal phase. A person will regain consciousness. However, they might fall asleep or remain unconscious. Most people cannot remember the episode and feel groggy and confused for a few hours. Causes of tonic-clonic seizures Both genetic and environmental factors can cause an imbalance. Some genetic factors include:abnormal neuronal connections that happen when the top layer of the brain does not form correctlyabnormal gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors that cannot properly monitor neuron activitiespotassium channel mutations Environmental factors include:head trauma high body temperature, which causes febrile seizuresinfectiondrug or alcohol withdrawalelectrolyte imbalances Diagnosis of tonic-clonic seizures A doctor will diagnose a person’s tonic-clonic seizure by evaluating their medical history and recollection of the seizure. They will also perform a physical examination and check for signs of a seizure, such as tongue bites. Additionally, they will ask about environmental factors — high fevers, drug or alcohol use, drug or alcohol withdrawal, stress, and flashing lights — to determine the cause of the seizure. Having a tonic-clonic seizure does not necessarily mean a person has epilepsy. However, a doctor may think a person’s seizure is caused by epilepsy if:they have had at least two seizuresthe seizures were at least 24 hours apartthere is no evidence to suggest that other factors caused the seizures If this is the case, they will perform a number of tests. These may include:a neurological examan electroencephalogram (EEG) testan imaging test, such as a CT or MRI Learn more about how epilepsy is diagnosed and managed. Risk factors for tonic-clonic seizures There are several risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of having a seizure. These include:a family history of epilepsy or seizures strokehead injuries a lack of oxygen to the brainbrain tumorsbrain infections, such as meningitisdrug use, such as cocainehaving conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism There is also evidence suggesting that not getting enough sleep and exposure to flashing lights, such as emergency vehicle lights, can trigger seizures in people with certain types of epilepsy. Although people can get epilepsy at any age, it is more commonly developed during childhood. What to do if someone is having a tonic-clonic seizure According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seizures do not usually require emergency medical attention. However, it is vital to seek medical attention if a person:has not had a seizure beforehas difficulty breathing or waking up after the seizurehas a seizure that lasts more than 5 minuteshas another seizure soon after the firstis hurt during the seizurehas a seizure in wateris pregnant or has another health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease If someone is having a tonic-clonic seizure, the people around them can help by:gently helping them to the floorturning them onto one side to help them breathemaking sure that the area is clear of anything that may cause injuryplacing a folded jacket or blanket under their person’s headremoving eyeglasses and loosening necktiestiming the seizure and calling for emergency medical treatment if it lasts for longer than 5 minutes If it is safe to do so, check if the person has a medical bracelet or any other emergency information. It is important to stay with someone having a seizure until it ends. Once it is over, make sure they are aware of their surroundings. Check if they need any medical attention, and if they do not, help them get safely home. Complications of tonic-clonic seizures People often have temporary forgetfulness, trouble with speech, or difficulty moving after a seizure. It is also more common for people to fall and hurt themselves or bite their tongue than during other types of seizures. However, it is important to note that epilepsy does not significantly shorten a person’s life expectancy. If a person has another health condition, such as heart disease, it may influence their life expectancy. Although rare, it is possible that a person may sustain a life threatening injury during a seizure. Additionally, some seizures can be prolonged. Having a long lasting seizure can stop oxygen from reaching the brain and cause brain damage. When to contact a doctor It is important for a person to contact a doctor if they experience a seizure that results in an injury. They should also seek medical advice if they have more than one seizure within 24 hours. If a person has experienced their first seizure, they should visit a doctor. They will be able to diagnose any underlying conditions and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. FAQs The following are answers to commonly asked questions. What are the phases of tonic-clonic seizures There are three phases of tonic-clonic seizures:Beginning phase: A person may have early signs, such as mood and behavior changes, as well as an aura.Ictal phase: This lasts from the first symptom until the end of the seizure and can include twitching, loss of consciousness, and convulsions.Post-ictal phase: This is the recovery stage. A person may feel confused, nauseous, tired, and weak. What should I do if I have a seizure and I am home alone Once the seizure is over, assess symptoms and decide whether or not to contact a doctor. It is a good idea to tell a loved one what has happened, and if possible, ask them to come to your home. Taking precautions ahead of time can make a potential seizure when home alone much safer. How can I manage a major seizure disorder People with epilepsy can manage their disorder by:using warning devicesfollowing the right diet and exercise plantaking medication regularlygetting enough sleepavoiding certain risks, such as swimming alone What is the prognosis after tonic-clonic seizures Around 40% of people who have a tonic-clonic seizure go on to experience another one. People are more likely to have more than one tonic-clonic seizure in the days after the first one. However, the risk of another seizure decreases. People are less likely to have seizures if they treat their epilepsy with medication. Can someone die from a tonic-clonic seizure Yes, it is possible to die from a tonic-clonic seizure. For example, some people may seriously injure themselves while having a seizure or drown if they have a seizure in water. It is also possible for someone to die from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). According to the CDC, this happens in about 1 in every 1,000 people with Summary Although tonic-clonic seizures can be scary, they do not always require medical attention. Epilepsy, injury, and environmental factors can cause seizures. Bystanders can follow some basic first aid tips to help someone who has a seizure. People with epilepsy can also take antiepileptic medications to prevent future seizures. Last medically reviewed on May 10, 2022EpilepsyNeurology / Neuroscience 6 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.).https://www.epilepsy.com/Epilepsy: Overview. (2022).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK343313/Kodankandath, T. V., et al. (2022). Generalized tonic-clonic seizure.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554496/Seizure phases. (n.d.).https://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/understanding-epilepsy/seizures/seizure-phases/Stafstrom, C. E., et al. (2015). Seizures and epilepsy: An overview for neuroscientists.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4448698/Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/sudep/index.htmFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Veronica Zambon — Updated on May 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about epilepsyMedically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, MD Epilepsy is a fairly common neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. In this article, learn about the different types of epilepsy…READ MORENocturnal seizures: Everything you need to knowMedically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, MD Nocturnal seizures occur when a person is asleep. As well as typical seizure symptoms, they may increase the risk of other complications. 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