seizure, tonic-clonic

seizure, tonic-clonic The most obvious type of seizure, which has two parts: the tonic phase (in which the body becomes rigid) and the clonic phase (in which there is uncontrolled jerking). Tonicclonic seizures may or may not be preceded by auras, and they are often followed by headache, confusion, and sleep. They may last for mere seconds or continue for several minutes. If a tonicclonic seizure does not resolve or if such seizures follow each other in rapid succession, the patient needs emergency help. The patient could be in a life-threatening state known as status epilepticus. Also known as grand mal seizure. See also status epilepticus.