Which description best characterizes a grand mal seizure?

Which description best characterizes a grand mal seizure?

• A. Unusual sensation before onset
• B. Loss of consciousness with full-body convulsions
• C. Sudden lapse of consciousness with a blank stare
• D. Pale, sweaty, dizziness

Answer: (B)

Grand mal seizures are generalized events that involve the whole brain, leading to loss of consciousness and widespread body convulsions. The description that matches this pattern is loss of consciousness with full-body convulsions, because the tonic-clonic activity typical of these seizures affects the whole body and the person often cannot respond or remember what happened during the event. Other descriptions describe other phenomena: an unusual sensation before onset can be an aura some people experience before a seizure but not always; a sudden lapse with a blank stare fits absence seizures, which are shorter and involve minimal/no convulsions; pale, sweaty, dizziness can occur with fainting or dizziness rather than a seizure. In first aid, keep the person safe from injury, do not restrain movement, and do not put anything in the mouth. Cushion the head, clear nearby objects, and loosen tight clothing. After the convulsions stop, help them to a side-lying position to keep the airway clear and monitor breathing. Time the seizure and seek emergency help if it lasts more than five minutes, if another seizure follows immediately, if there is injury, or if the person does not regain consciousness.

Grand mal seizures are generalized events that involve the whole brain, leading to loss of consciousness and widespread body convulsions. The description that matches this pattern is loss of consciousness with full-body convulsions, because the tonic-clonic activity typical of these seizures affects the whole body and the person often cannot respond or remember what happened during the event. Other descriptions describe other phenomena: an unusual sensation before onset can be an aura some people experience before a seizure but not always; a sudden lapse with a blank stare fits absence seizures, which are shorter and involve minimal/no convulsions; pale, sweaty, dizziness can occur with fainting or dizziness rather than a seizure.

In first aid, keep the person safe from injury, do not restrain movement, and do not put anything in the mouth. Cushion the head, clear nearby objects, and loosen tight clothing. After the convulsions stop, help them to a side-lying position to keep the airway clear and monitor breathing. Time the seizure and seek emergency help if it lasts more than five minutes, if another seizure follows immediately, if there is injury, or if the person does not regain consciousness.