Grand mal convulsion

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)

Synonyms (terms occurring on more labels are shown first): primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, grand mal convulsion, grand mal convulsions, convulsions grand mal, primary generalized tonic- clonic seizures, PrimaryGeneralized Tonic-Clonic Seizures, primary generalized tonicclonic seizures, clonic-tonic convulsions

More information: PubMed search and possibly Wikipedia