A tonic-clonic seizure is the most common type of generalized seizure experienced by those with epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Also referred to as a grand mal or gran mal seizure, a tonic-clonic episode has two phases: the tonic, during which the body becomes rigid and stiff, and the clonic, the period when the body shakes uncontrollably. Many of the accompanying symptoms make it easy to identify when a tonic-clonic seizure occurs.
/Aura
An aura is a feeling just prior to a seizure, referred to as a sensory warning by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The aura can affect your vision, your senses of smell and taste, or cause a feeling of dizziness. Hallucinations also might occur, which can take the form of seeing or hearing things that are not there.
Not every person with epilepsy experiences an aura before a seizure. However those who do and come to recognize the signs are able to prepare themselves, thus decreasing their risk of injury during the seizure.
Tonic Phase
A tonic-clonic seizure strikes quickly. Unless the epileptic experiences an aura first, the seizure might take those around her by surprise. She will lose consciousness during this phase; if she is standing or sitting, she will fall. She may yell or howl, but this is not intentional; it is part of the seizure.
Her body will stiffen and become rigid as her arms and legs extend straight. Her fingers and jaw typically clench together, and her breathing will slow drastically. In some cases, breathing may stop, causing her lips, face and nail beds to turn blue.
The tonic phase affects almost every aspect of her body's systems, as blood pressure increases along with heart rate. According to neurologychannel.com, there is an increased pressure on her bladder, which could result in urinary incontinence. Increased salivation typically results in drooling or foaming at the mouth, and her eyes might roll backward.
Clonic Phase
During this phase, the epileptic's body will begin shaking or jerking uncontrollably. This phase usually lasts for one minute, however the time can vary. Because her jaw is clenched, she may bite down on her tongue or the inner part of her cheek. While this will be uncomfortable after the seizure is over, it is better not to place anything in her mouth.
Once the shaking is over, she will remain unconscious for another minute or so, then slowly begin to come around. Some people cycle back into the tonic phase before regaining consciousness.
Post-Seizure Phase
As the epileptic begins to regain consciousness, she will be slightly confused. She may be unaware of her surroundings at first, even at home. Expect her to feel weak, due to the stiffening of her muscles and convulsions. Typically, she will want to sleep after a seizure. Headaches are a normal occurrence as well. It can take hours--perhaps an entire day--to fully recover from an epileptic episode.
