Is a grand mal seizure the same as epilepsy?
A grand mal seizure — also known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure — is caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain. Usually, a grand mal seizure is caused by epilepsy.
How do you know if a seizure is epilepsy?
Anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure. This includes a high fever, high or low blood sugar, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or a brain concussion. But when a person has 2 or more seizures with no known cause, this is diagnosed as epilepsy.
Are tonic-clonic and grand mal seizures the same?
A tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure, causes violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. These are the types of seizures most people know about, and what they usually picture when they think about seizures in general.
Are grand mal seizures genetic?
The genetics of EGTCS is complex. In most cases, no genetic mutations are found, however, rarely, mutations or changes on a specific gene (CLCN2 gene) have been linked to this syndrome. There may be other mutations too. People with this epilepsy syndrome have normal neurological exams.
At what age can children develop epilepsy?
Benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood This syndrome can occur between 3 and 10 years of age. It affects 15% of children with epilepsy.
What triggers seizures in epilepsy?
Triggers are situations that can bring on a seizure in some people with epilepsy. Some people’s seizures are brought on by certain situations. Triggers can differ from person to person, but common triggers include tiredness and lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking medication.
Are grand mal seizures hereditary?
Not all people with risk factors will get grand mal seizures. Risk factors for grand mal seizures include: Family history of certain genetic conditions. Family history of epilepsy.
What are the symptoms of grand mal seizures?
Few common symptoms of grand mal seizure include: Aura, prior a GMS. Loss of bladder and bowel control. Unresponsive after seizures. Confusion. Fatigue. Severe headache.
What can cause grand mal seizures?
Grand mal seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity of the brain. Normal human activities, thoughts, perceptions, and emotions are produced by electrical impulses that stimulate nerve cells in the brain. During a seizure, the usual electrical communication in the brain is disrupted by a chaotic and unregulated discharge.
What triggers seizures in kids?
Many temporary conditions can trigger seizures. A high fever may cause nonepileptic seizures, particularly in children. This is the most common cause of seizures among patients under age two. Metabolic issues, such as abnormal calcium or glucose levels, are other causes of seizures in babies.
How serious are seizures in children?
The Risks of Seizures in Children. They may wind up doing inappropriate or bizarre things that upset people around them. It’s also possible for children to injure themselves during a seizure if they fall to the ground or hit other things around them. But the seizures themselves are usually not harmful.