Generalized convulsive seizures also formerly known as grand mal seizures are considered as one of the most common seizures of modern time. They are very dangerous for one’s life as it affects’ overall performance of the brain by affecting each and every brain part. The condition of generalized or grand mal seizures is taken as medical emergency and is related to two phases. The first phase is called as tonic phase and the second phase is called as clonic phase. Both have some differences and different descriptions. Here you will understand about grand mal seizures and its different phases and know about the first-aid tips to help you or someone in need of your emotional support and reassurance during a seizure attack.
Tonic Phase Of A Generalized Convulsive Or Grand Mal Seizures
The first stage which is also called as tonic phase of grand mal seizures, makes the sufferer’s body muscles completely stiffen. The sufferer’s feet and hands turn in other sides completely or turn to outward. It is such a dangerous phase in which a sufferer can fall anywhere down by which 
any mishap can occur with him or her. It is completely out of one’s control and at that time, no one can even stand on his own feet. It makes a person completely helpless. This phase leads a person unconscious and due to his or her condition, he/she starts making different sounds.
Clonic Phase Of A Generalized Convulsive Seizure
The second stage which is referred as Clonic phase of grand mal seizures is also very critical phase in which a person becomes completely out of order. He loses his conscious and becomes totally out of senses. This phase lasts bit longer. It consists of those symptoms which are considered as envision by several people. These symptoms include shaking, convulsions, rolling back eyes, loss of control, biting tongue etc. So, it is very difficult condition which cannot be seen or even you cannot overlook, but it demands immediate first aid by which you can help reducing the consequences of these seizures.
First Aid For Grand Mal Seizure (Convulsive In Nature)
Whether you suffer from any phase of grand mal seizures, first aid is mandatory. The knowledge of first aid will help you greatly if anyone in your family suffers from this disorder. In case, no any person in your family suffers from this disorder, you may help others in providing relief from the consequences of grand mal seizures. Check out how you can give first aid to a grand mal seizures’ patient:
- At that time, try to calm the patient down with your words.
- Reassure people standing nearby
- Do not try stopping the movements caused by seizures
- Note the time down when seizures occur by your wrist watch
- Remove anything lying in the area to avoid any kind of injury or accident of a person
- If the sufferer wears a tie in his neck, then untie it instantly.
- Keep something soft under the victim’s head
- Turn the sufferer onto a side by which the airway will get clear.
- Never force the patient to open his or her mouth.
- Do not use any unnatural respiration until the seizures get stopped.
- Don’t leave the patient alone until seizures last.
- Immediate medical attention is must.
First Aid For Absence Seizures Also Known As Petit Mal Seizures (Non-Convulsive)
- No one is necessary to calm the patient as it is for a very short duration, hardly noticeable by anyone except the patient.
- It happens mostly in children, so parents should be well informed about it.
- Maintaining a chart with records of duration and frequency of seizures can be helpful.