GRAND MAL EPILEPSY Meaning and
Definition
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Grand mal epilepsy is a severe form of epilepsy characterized by recurrent seizures that involve the entire body. It is also known as generalized tonic-clonic seizures or convulsive seizures. The term "grand mal" is derived from the French language and translates to "great sickness," reflecting the dramatic nature of the seizures.
During a grand mal seizure, a person may experience an abrupt loss of consciousness followed by muscle stiffening (tonic phase) and violent shaking or convulsions (clonic phase). The tonic phase involves the sudden contraction of muscles leading to rigidity, causing the person to fall to the ground. This is immediately followed by the clonic phase, where rapid and rhythmic jerking movements of the limbs occur. Typically, the entire body is involved, and the person may also exhibit unusual sounds, such as moaning or gasping, due to irregular breathing patterns during the seizure.
These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, often originating from both hemispheres simultaneously. Grand mal epilepsy can be idiopathic (with no apparent cause) or secondary to an underlying condition, such as brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors. It can affect individuals of any age but is most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.
Treatment for grand mal epilepsy may involve antiepileptic medications to help manage and control the seizures. In some cases, surgical intervention or other therapies may be necessary, especially when medications prove ineffective. Management of this condition usually focuses on minimizing seizure frequency and improving overall quality of life for individuals living with grand mal epilepsy.
Common Misspellings for GRAND MAL EPILEPSY
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