TONIC CLONIC (formerly called Grand Mal)
- A sudden cry, fall or slump, and loss of consciousness.
- Stiffening of the body followed by convulsions of the entire body as the muscles alternately contract and relax.
- As air is forced out of the body and through the mouth saliva may develop at corners of the mouth and it may be tinged with blood if the tongue has been bitten.
- Breathing may be shallow or temporarily stop and may cause the skin to become bluish. As breathing resumes it may appear labored or sound as if the person is choking.
- Involuntary muscle contractions may also result in loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Usually lasts less than 5 minutes,
- Muscle spasms slowly subside.
- Consciousness slowly returns.
- During recovery period the person will be tired and disoriented and may not be able to communicate. The person frequently will have incomplete or no memory of the seizure and even sometimes of the events prior to the seizure. The person may be easily upset or frightened during this period. The person may need to rest or sleep after the seizure.