Generalized Seizures (Grand Mal Seizures)

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor immediately if you or anyone in your family experiences a series of symptoms that appear to be a generalized seizure. If you already have been diagnosed with epilepsy, call your doctor if you continue to have seizures even though you are taking anti-epileptic medication.

If you witness someone having a generalized seizure that lasts for more than five minutes, call for emergency medical help immediately. Also call for emergency medical help immediately if you witness someone having a generalized seizure who:

• Does not awaken soon after the seizure is over

• Is a pregnant woman

• Is wearing medical identification jewelry stating that he or she has diabetes

• Has a seizure after head trauma

• Has a seizure while swimming

Prognosis

Many factors play a role in determining whether a person with generalized epilepsy eventually becomes seizure-free. Overall, the outlook is best in those who have had very few seizures before beginning treatment, have good seizure control with only one anti-epileptic drug, have a normal EEG between seizures, have no history of brain damage and have a normal neurological exam at the end of treatment.

In many cases, the outlook is very good. With proper treatment, up to 70% of people with epilepsy ultimately become seizure-free for five or more years. Eventually, about 30% are able to discontinue medication permanently.

Most children with generalized seizures can lead normal lives, including participating in organized sports, with minimal restrictions.

Additional Info

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke P.O. Box 5801 Bethesda, MD 20824 Toll-Free: (800) 352-9424 http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 1080 Montreal Ave. St. Paul, MN 55116 Phone: (651) 695-2717 Toll-Free: (800) 879-1960 Fax: (651) 695-2791 http://www.aan.com/

Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) 4351 Garden City Dr. Landover, MD 20785 Phone: (301) 459-3700 Toll-Free: (800) 332-1000 Fax: (301) 577-4941 http://www.efa.org/

British Epilepsy Association New Anstey House Gate Way Dr. Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY UK Phone: +44 (0)113-210-8800 Fax: +44 (0)113-391-0300 http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/

American Epilepsy Society American Epilepsy Society 342 North Main St. West Hartford, CT 06117-2507 Phone: (860) 586-7505 Fax: (860) 586-7550 http://www.aesnet.org/