A grand mal seizure, also known as a tonic-clonic seizure, is caused by generalized, unregulated impulses throughout the entire brain, resulting in muscle rigidity, convulsions and lack of consciousness. While most grand mal seizures have no known cause, researchers believe they may be caused by neurological disorders such as neurofibromatosis, a metabolic disorder, or alcohol and drug abuse.
Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis is an autonomic dominant disease, meaning that only one copy of the mutant gene is needed to cause the disease. Neurofibromatosis affects almost every organ system but primarily the development, function and growth of neural cells. This disease is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of tumors that begins in neural cells and their myelin sheaths, a fatty substance that insulates neural cells and increases the speed by which nerve impulses are transmitted between the brain and spinal cord. Neurofibromatosis also causes skin and bone deformations. According to WrongDiagnosis.com, multiple brain lesions from neurofibromatosis can cause focal seizures, which are seizures originating in one part of the brain, and generalized seizures, which originate in both parts of the brain.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia refers to a rapid drop in the blood glucose level. This occurs when the pancreas secretes too much insulin in response to a rise in blood glucose. This excess insulin causes a rapid decrease in the blood glucose level, depriving our organ and brains cells of ATP, the fuel source and energy currency of all cellular functions. According to Merck, more severe hypoglycemia reduces the sugar supply to the brain, causing dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headaches, inability to concentrate, confusion, inappropriate behavior that can be mistaken for drunkenness, slurred speech, blurred vision, seizures and coma. Severe and prolonged hypoglycemia may permanently damage the brain. This makes sense, since the brain requires glucose to function, and unlike organs such as the liver, which stores glycogen, the brain has a limited reserve of glucose and is affected when blood glucose levels drop.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Drugs and alcohol are chemical depressants that suppress the brain’s ability to produce neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline. When an individual stops using drugs or alcohol and is undergoing detoxification, the brain sends a surge of adrenaline that causes withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol and tranquilizers are extremely dangerous, especially in regards to the physical withdrawal, which can lead to seizures, strokes and heart attacks. Alcohol dependence can cause liver damage, which in turn affects the body's ability to rid itself of toxic waste products, ultimately leading to brain dysfunction.
