- Individuals diagnosed with grand mal seizures generally experience one of two different kinds: Tonic or Clonic type seizure activity. Tonic seizures cause a lapse of consciousness or awareness that accompanies stiffened muscles. Clonic seizures may contract in a rhythm, which means a person's hand may open and close repeatedly while the seizure is occurring. This activity is also experienced as a moment of rigidity followed by a moment of relaxation, then a repetition of the process.
- Many individuals experiencing either type of grand mal seizure may experience visual auras, somewhat similar to those experienced by people who suffer from migraines. In many cases, this aura is seen as as white spots, ridges, zigzag lines or other "gaps" in vision.
- Anyone suffering from a seizure is going to experience varying degrees of confusion, depending on how severe the seizure is. For example, some people may be completely unresponsive to what is going on around them following a seizure, while others may even lapse into unconsciousness for several minutes following a seizure.
- One of the most common symptoms for those experiencing grand mal seizures is an almost overwhelming sense of fatigue that follows. Many people feel sluggish and lethargic for hours following a seizure, while others feel the urge to sleep.
- While many individuals suffer headaches following a seizure, some do not.
- Some people experiencing grand mal seizures suffer from total lack of bowel and bladder control during or immediately after a seizure has occurred.
Seizure Phases
Visual Auras
Confusion
Fatigue
Headaches
Involuntary Muscle Control
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