Intermediate
Technical
IVT
tonic-clonic seizure
Type of generalized seizure characterized by muscle stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking movements.
Full Definition
A type of generalized seizure that occurs in two distinct phases: the tonic phase involving sudden muscle stiffening and loss of consciousness, followed by the clonic phase characterized by rhythmic jerking movements of the limbs. Previously known as grand mal seizures, these episodes typically last 1-3 minutes and may be followed by a postictal period of confusion and fatigue.
Usage
Usage note: Use hyphenated form. Avoid outdated term 'grand mal' in formal medical writing.
In Context
- "The patient experienced a tonic-clonic seizure lasting approximately two minutes." — Emergency department report
- "EEG monitoring captured the characteristic spike-and-wave pattern of tonic-clonic seizures." — Epilepsy monitoring unit report
Also known as
grand mal seizure
generalized tonic-clonic seizure
Contrasted with
absence seizure
Don't confuse with
focal seizure
myoclonic seizure