Grand mal seizures are a type of seizure that involve the entire body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, grand mal seizures can happen to people at any age. The seizures can occur as a single episode or as part of a chronic illness such as epilepsy--a condition that causes recurring seizures.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic reports that grand mal seizures are caused by irregular electrical impulses and activity within the brain. In other cases, this kind of seizure can be set off by other underlying health conditions, such as very low blood sugar, injury due to a previous lack of oxygen and using or withdrawing from drugs. In most cases, epilepsy causes a grand mal seizure.
Phases
The Mayo Clinic reports that a grand mal seizure has two phases. The first phase, or tonic phase, results in a loss of consciousness. The muscles in your body will suddenly contract and cause you to fall to the ground. The tonic phase lasts about 10 to 20 seconds. The second phase is the clonic phase. In this phase, your muscles begin to flex and relax in intervals causing convulsions. These convulsions usually last no more than two minutes.
Aura
Aside from the two phases, symptoms can usually signal an oncoming seizure. Not all people who experience grand mal seizures will have the same symptoms. One symptom is the aura. Before the seizure, many individuals experience the aura, which can be described as a sensory warning sign, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These sensory signs may include changes in vision, taste or smell. Some people experience hallucinations or dizziness before a grand mal seizure.
Symptoms
Other symptoms associated with a grand mal seizure may include a scream. Some people might scream at the onset of a seizure. This is because the muscles surrounding the vocal cords seize and consequently force air out. Another symptom may be a loss of bowels or uncontrollable urination. The muscles that hold in wastes may begin to flex and relax, causing a person to lose control of his bowels. Other symptoms include confusion, fatigue and severe headaches.
Risks and Complications
People at risk for grand mal seizures include those who have a family history of seizures or epilepsy. If you have had a severe injury, experienced trauma to the brain or had a previous infection, you may also be at risk for seizures, according to the Mayo Clinic. Certain activities should be taken with precaution or avoided for safety reasons. People who have been diagnosed with epilepsy or at risk for grand mal seizures should avoid swimming, because there is a greater chance you can drown when you lose control of your reflexes. Driving may also lead to serious injury if you experience an episode while on the road. You could lose control of your car, which may lead to great bodily harm or even death.
