A grand mal seizure causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. It's the type of seizure most people picture when they think about seizures.
A grand mal seizure â also known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure â is caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain. Usually, a grand mal seizure is caused by epilepsy. But sometimes, this type of seizure can be triggered by other health problems, such as extremely low blood sugar, a high fever or a stroke.
Many people who have a grand mal seizure never have another one and don't need treatment. But someone who has recurrent seizures may need treatment with daily anti-seizure medications to control and prevent future grand mal seizures.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Grand mal seizures have two stages:
The following signs and symptoms occur in some but not all people with grand mal seizures:
Seek immediate medical help if any of the following occurs:
If you experience a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice.
Additionally, seek medical advice for yourself or your child:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Grand mal seizures occur when the electrical activity over the whole surface of the brain becomes abnormally synchronized. The brain's nerve cells normally communicate with each other by sending electrical and chemical signals across the synapses that connect the cells.
In people who have seizures, the brain's usual electrical activity is altered and many nerve cells fire at the same time. Exactly what causes the changes to occur often remains unknown.
However, grand mal seizures are sometimes caused by underlying health problems, such as:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
After a seizure, your doctor will thoroughly review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may order several tests to determine the cause of your seizure and evaluate how likely it is that you'll have another one.
Tests may include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Having a seizure at certain times can lead to circumstances that are dangerous for you or others. You might be at risk of:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Here are some steps you can take to help with seizure control:
Seizures don't usually result in serious injury, but if you have recurrent seizures, injury is a possibility. These steps can help you avoid injury during a seizure:
It's helpful to know what to do if you witness someone having a seizure. If you're at risk of having seizures in the future, pass this information along to family, friends and co-workers so that they know what to do if you have a seizure.
To help someone during a seizure:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
If you're living with a seizure disorder, you may feel anxious or stressed about what your future holds. Stress can affect your mental health, so it's important to talk with your health care provider about your feelings and seek ways you can find help.
Your family can provide much-needed support. Tell them what you know about your seizure disorder. Let them know they can ask you questions, and be open to conversations about their worries. Help them understand your condition by sharing any educational materials or other resources that your health care provider has given you.
Meet with your supervisor and talk about your seizure disorder and how it affects you. Discuss what you need from your supervisor or co-workers if a seizure happens while at work. Consider talking with your co-workers about seizure disorders â you can widen your support system and bring about acceptance and understanding.
Remember, you don't have to go it alone. Reach out to family and friends. Ask your health care provider about local support groups or join an online support community. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Having a strong support system is important to living with any medical condition.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Risk factors for grand mal seizures include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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