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What is another name for tonic clonic seizures?

1. Petit mal seizures

2. Complex partial seizures

3. Grand mal seizures

4. Focal seizures

The correct answer is: Grand mal seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures, previously referred to as grand mal seizures, are characterized by two distinct phases: the tonic phase, wherein muscles stiffen and the individual loses consciousness, followed by the clonic phase, which involves rhythmic jerking movements of the body. The term "grand mal" originated in French, meaning "big illness," to describe the severity of the seizure's manifestations. The other terms outlined in the options emphasize different types of seizures: petit mal seizures are small seizures often associated with absence episodes, complex partial seizures involve loss of consciousness and may include automatism, and focal seizures originate from a specific area of the brain, which may not always lead to a loss of consciousness. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of seizure disorders. The use of "grand mal" is thus historically aligned with what is now more commonly understood as tonic-clonic seizures, highlighting the severity and the clinical features associated with these episodes.