Tonic-clonic Seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures, once called grand mal seizures, are generalised seizures that cause sudden loss of consciousness. Muscles stiffen during the tonic phase and then jerk during the clonic phase, usually for a couple of minutes.
Key points
- Epilepsy is one possible cause of recurring tonic-clonic seizures, but a seizure can also occur for other reasons.
- Recovery after an episode can include tiredness, confusion or a headache.
- Care considers possible causes and ways to reduce the chance of further seizures.
Medicines listed for tonic-clonic seizures
Keppra, Dilantin and Mysoline are the products listed for tonic-clonic seizures. Their ingredients are Levetiracetam, Phenytoin and primidone, which are antiseizure medicines used to help control seizures.


