1. Recognize a Grand Mal Seizure
When you see a person fall to the ground in a convulsion, you're most likely witnessing a grand mal seizure. It also goes by the name of generalized seizure, but a more descriptive term is tonic-clonic seizure because it indicates two stages. In the tonic stage, a person loses consciousness and becomes rigid. The clonic stage often follows with muscles going through a cycle of contracting and relaxing. Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, grand mal seizures can frighten both the person experiencing it and observers.
2. The Why's of Seizures
Seizures can occur for a number of reasons. A single seizure may result from a high fever, infection or extremely low blood sugar. Heavy alcohol or drug use can lead to seizures. Sometimes, grand mal seizures tell doctors that problems such as a brain tumor exist in the brain. Injuries to the brain may cause seizures, while it's not uncommon for injury-related seizures to manifest much later, such as two years following the event. Sometimes, doctors simply can't determine the cause of seizures.
3. Watch for Complications
Some people with seizure disorders experience an aura that tells them a seizure is on its way, which allows time to prepare for it. Otherwise, seizures can happen anywhere, even in unsafe locations, such as a busy street, driving a car or while in the water. If you witness a seizure, try to clear the space around the person to limit the possibility of injury. Loosen anything tight around the neck, and if possible, roll the person onto his side and place something soft underneath his head. You don't need to put anything into the mouth; there's no danger of swallowing the tongue from a grand mal seizure. Check for a medic alert bracelet with instructions; if there's not one, call for medical help. Most seizures end after a couple of minutes, but unresponsiveness, confusion, amnesia and sleepiness can follow. Loss of bowel or bladder control can happen with a seizure.
4. Follow Up With a Neurologist
In the event of a first time seizure without a known cause, a neurological work-up can provide information needed for diagnosis and possible treatment. A description of the seizure is critical as different types of seizures exist. In addition, a neurologist may order an EEG, MRI, blood work and a neuromuscular exam. In the event that multiple seizures have occurred, a common diagnosis is epilepsy.
5. Treat Grand Mal Seizures
In the case of an epilepsy diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe anti-seizure medication. It can take time to find the right medication and to get the right medication levels in the body. For brain lesions or tumors, a neurosurgeon may surgically remove the tissue causing grand mal seizures. When repeated seizures don't respond to medication or surgery, a doctor may recommend implanting a vagus nerve stimulator in the chest. Wires from the stimulator extend to the vagus nerve in the neck to control seizures. Some people with seizures respond to a Ketogenic diet. This low carbohydrate diet increases ketones in the body, which may decrease overall seizures.
