What should you know about tonic clonic epilepsy?

A tonic-clonic seizure may begin with loss of awareness and sudden stiffening, followed by rhythmic jerking of the arms and legs. Breathing can look unusual for a short time, and the person may bite their tongue or lose bladder control. Afterwards, confusion, sleepiness, headache, or muscle soreness can last while the brain recovers. Epilepsy means a tendency to have recurrent unprovoked seizures, but a single seizure has other possible causes. A clinician uses the event description, medical history, examination, and sometimes investigations to guide diagnosis.

During a seizure, clear nearby hazards, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing, and place the person on their side when the jerking stops if possible. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully alert. Note when it starts and ends, and stay with them while awareness returns. After diagnosis, take prescribed medicine as directed and discuss sleep, alcohol, driving, work risks, and an individual seizure plan during a GP Consultation. A medical alert plan may help family or colleagues respond calmly.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than the person’s agreed emergency limit, another seizure begins before recovery, the person is injured, has breathing trouble, or the seizure occurs in water. Seek urgent help for a first suspected seizure, pregnancy, diabetes with altered awareness, or a seizure that differs from the person’s usual pattern. Keep the area safe and do not transport the person until it is safe unless emergency professionals advise it.

Ask: What type of seizure did this appear to be? What should family do during my seizures? Do I need an emergency medicine or written plan? Which activities need safety changes, and when should I seek review?