Study for Adolescents (12-17 Years Old) Suffering from Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

What are primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures?

Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures are also called convulsions and are what most people think of when they hear the word “seizure.” An older term for this type of seizure is “grand mal.” They are the most common type of generalized seizure, or seizure that affects the whole body. These seizures cause violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness.

The muscles of the arms and legs stiffen during the first part of the seizure, called the tonic part (tonic means stiffening). During the tonic phase air being forced past the vocal cords can cause a cry or groan. The person may lose consciousness and fall to the floor. Also, a person may bite their tongue or inside of their cheek. If this happens, saliva may look a bit bloody.

Then, the muscles of the arms, legs and face begin to jerk during the second phase of the seizure, known as the clonic part (clonic means rhythmical jerking).

During the clonic phase, the arms and usually the legs begin to jerk rapidly and rhythmically, bending and relaxing at the elbows, hips, and knees. After a few minutes, the jerking slows and stops. The person’s face may look dusky or a bit blue if they are having trouble breathing or the seizure lasts too long. The person may also lose control of their bladder or bowel as the body relaxes. Consciousness, or a person’s awareness, returns slowly.

Some patients may only experience one part of the seizure. Others may experience both. Tonic-clonic seizures usually last between one and three minutes. Afterwards, the person may be sleepy, confused, irritable, or depressed.