Grand mal seizures in adults

Grand Mal Seizures

Grand mal seizures are a form of epileptic attack which features with tonic-clonic contractions of the muscles. They belong to generalized seizures. Grand mal seizures occur due to improper transmission of signals. Some brain cells become to excitated and they induce the attack. In grand mal seizures all the brain cells are included in the attack. The patient's body becomes stiff and the extremities twitch.

Causes of Grand Mal Seizures in Adults

Grand mal seizures occur due to a variety of causes. Each and every medical condition which leads to an interruption of transmission of electrical signals or distorted electrical activity eventually leads to grand mal seizures.

They most commonly occur in people who are suffering from epilepsy. Apart from that grand mal seizures can also affect people with metabolic imbalance, those who have recently suffered stroke and they regularly occur in people who have brain tumors prior or after the surgical removal of the tumor. Furthermore, grand mal seizures also affect patients who are suffering from meningitis or encephalitis. They may also accompany head injury or birth trauma. Toxic substances may as well induce this type of seizures. And finally, in case that the cause cannot be found seizures are classified as idiopathic.

Symptoms of Grand Mal Seizures in Adults

Every attack is followed by stiffness of the body and uncontrollable shaking. Both arms and legs twitch. During, the attack one may lose control over the bladder and large intestine and accidentally defecate or urinate. Twitching of the jaw muscles may cause serious tongue bites. Saliva collects at the corners of the mouth. In severe attacks the patients most commonly lose consciousness.

Treatment for Grand Mal Seizures in Adults

The attack is almost always stopped by administration of carbamasepine or some other anticonvulsant. There are numerous medications which may be rather efficient in interruption of the attack.

Still the underlying cause of the seizures needs to be found as soon as possible. Patient usually undergoes EEG which will show increased brain activity if performed during the attack. MRI of the head can reveal some structural abnormalities which may be the underlying cause of grand mal seizures.

In case that patients require permanent therapy with anticonvulsants they need to go for regular check-up since these medications have a lot of side effects. The appropriate medication as well as optimal dose is what is essential for successful treatment. Mild side effects such as fatigue or dizziness or even weigh gain can be tolerated up to certain extent. However, if prescribed medication causes serious side such as skin rash, changes in mood, and problems with speech and similar this medication is discontinued and the doctor will opt for suitable substitute.