Abstract
The tonic-clonic seizure (grand mal) is one of the most dramatic seizures, lasts several minutes, and is what is commonly associated with a “seizure.” It is a generalized seizure in that consciousness is lost, and if standing, the patient falls to the ground (the falling sickness). The seizure originates, or is immediately a bilateral phenomenon. There is frequently, but not always, an aura, and the patient might emit a moan, or scream just as the seizure begins. Following the seizure (5 min or more) there is an obvious and significant post ictal depression period, in which the patient may sleep for over an hour. Incontinence is common, and the patient should only be prevented from hurting himself, never restrained. Moving the patient onto his/her side helps prevent aspiration of vomit.
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McCandless, D.W. (2012). Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy in Animals. In: Epilepsy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0361-6_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0361-6_9
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