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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > Brain and Nervous System

Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure

Alternate Names : Grand Mal Seizure

Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What can be done to prevent the injury?

By reducing excessive alcohol use, a person decreases his or her risk of seizures. However, if a person with alcoholism stops drinking completely, the risk of withdrawal seizures increases. A sudden withdrawal from certain medicines, such as phenobarbital, can also cause seizures. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's prescription for decreasing or stopping a medicine or alcohol.

Keeping blood pressure under control reduces a person's risk of seizures. It also helps prevent stroke, which can lead to seizures. People with epilepsy need to take their medicines as prescribed.

Protection against head injury is critical for all ages. Following sports safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults can prevent some injuries.

Many times, there is no way to prevent the onset of epilepsy. Once it is diagnosed, individuals can lower their risk of seizures by:

  • avoiding excess alcohol
  • avoiding illegal drugs, especially marijuana and cocaine
  • getting enough sleep
  • limiting intake of stimulants such as caffeine
  • recognizing and avoiding known factors that trigger their own seizures
  • seeking prompt treatment for fever and illness
  • taking all medicines as prescribed
  • What are the long-term effects of the condition?

    Seizures can lead to physical injury from falling. Epilepsy may interfere with school or work.

    What are the risks to others?

    Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are not contagious and pose no risk to others.


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    Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Gerald C. McIntosh, MD
    Reviewer: Karen Preston, PHN, MS, CRRN
    Date Reviewed: 05/31/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009