Definition: A generalized seizure disorder characterized by recurrent major motor seizures. The initial brief tonic phase is marked by trunk flexion followed by diffuse extension of the trunk and extremities. The clonic phase features rhythmic flexor contractions of the trunk and limbs, pupillary dilation, elevations of blood pressure and pulse, urinary incontinence, and tongue biting. This is followed by a profound state of depressed consciousness (post-ictal state) which gradually improves over minutes to hours. The disorder may be cryptogenic, familial, or symptomatic (caused by an identified disease process). (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p329)
do not confuse with EPILEPSY, TONIC see EPILEPSY, GENERALIZED
Other names Seizure Disorder, Tonic Clonic; Major Motor Seizure Disorder; Grand Mal Seizure Disorder; Epilepsy, Major; Epilepsy, Grand Mal; Seizure Disorders, Tonic-Clonic; Seizure Disorder, Tonic-Clonic; Major Epilepsy; Major Epilepsies; Grand Mal Epilepsy; Grand Mal Convulsions; Grand Mal Convulsion; Familial Tonic-Clonic Epilepsies; Familial Tonic Clonic Epilepsy; Epilepsy, Symptomatic Tonic-Clonic; Epilepsy, Familial Tonic-Clonic; Epilepsy, Cryptogenic Tonic-Clonic; Epilepsies, Tonic-Clonic; Epilepsies, Symptomatic Tonic-Clonic; Epilepsies, Familial Tonic-Clonic
