When trying to begin explaining a generalized convulsive seizure there is some important information to understand. There are many different types of generalized seizures, which affect people differently all occur when the brain becomes electrically overcharged throughout the brain all at one time.
One type of seizure formerly known as a grand mal seizure, and currently known as a tonic-clonic seizure is the most widely known type of seizure.
These type of seizures begins with what is called the tonic phase, which is where the muscles begin to stiffen. As the muscles stiffen the person may make a sudden a vocalization, like a yell, and the person loses consciousness. If a person is standing, he or she will fall down on the ground. After the stiffening phase, or the tonic phase, comes the clonic phase of the seizure.
These seizures may appear “painful” or violent to an onlooker because of the intense jerking that takes place. Although a person may injure themselves by hitting a part of their body on something or by biting their own tongue, a person is unaware during this type of seizure.
During the clonic phase, the body–especially the arms and legs begin jerking in rythmically, often going between phases of relaxing and jerking again. This process can last up to a couple of minutes after which the body begins recuperating, slowly the person regains consciousness, and the body begins to go back to a state of relaxation, at which time a person may also loose the ability to control their bowels and bladder.
Unfortunately, after a person begins regaining consciousness sometimes their moods are greatly affected or a person can be drowsy.
Other, Less Well-Known Types of Generalized Seizures
Another type of generalized seizure, formerly called petit mal seizures are now called absence seizures. These seizures often have an onset that begins in childhood, usually between the ages of 4 and 14 in kids. Typically, this type of seizure is not accompanied by much movement by the person, but instead the person will be unaware during a period of time in which they will have a staring spell.
If a person has a staring spell that is accompanied by unusual amounts of movement, or if the seizure is lengthy (longer then 30 seconds), then this seizure is called an atypical absence seizure.
Another type of generalized seizure, is called a myoclonic seizure, and is one of the seizures that often goes undetected, because of the fact that it lasts for such a short period of time, or a second or two. During this time, a person may lose consciousness, or experience a muscle spasm that causes them to lose control over their muscles, resulting in a sudden motor movement or a twitch.
Atonic seizures, though brief, can be very traumatic. Akinetic seizures, or epileptic drop attacks can affect a person suffering from this type of seizure by making them suddenly loose muscle control over their body, which can result in a person falling to the ground if standing or sitting, dropping their head down, or dropping objects.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be suffering from this or any other type of seizure please seek expert advice from your doctor.
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