Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure

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Symptoms & Signs

Many patients have an aura (sensory warning sign) preceding the seizure. This can include a visual, taste, smell, sensory, or other hallucination or dizziness.

• loss of consciousness or fainting, usually lasting between 30 seconds and five minutes
• general muscle contraction and rigidity (tonic posture), usually lasting 15 to 20 seconds
• violent rhythmic muscle contraction and relaxation (clonic movement), usually lasting for one to two minutes
• biting the cheek or tongue, clenched teeth or jaw
• incontinence (loss of urine or stool control)
• breathing difficulty
• stopped breathing or difficulty breathing during seizure
• blue skin color

• the person usually begins breathing normally when the seizure is over
• arousable but sleepy for one hour or longer
• loss of memory (amnesia) regarding events surrounding the seizure episode
• headache
• drowsiness
• confusion, temporary and mild
• may be weak for 24-48 hours following seizure (Todd's paralysis)