What is a tonic clonic seizure?
A person with a seizure has a sudden increase in electrical activity in the brain. A tonic clonic seizure results in muscle stiffness or uncontrolled movement of the muscles during the seizure. There are about 120,000 new cases of epilepsy diagnosed every year in the US. About 20-25 percent of people with epilepsy have tonic-clonic seizures. Most people with epilepsy respond well to anticonvulsant medications.

What are the symptoms of a tonic clonic seizure?
Symptoms of a tonic clonic seizure may include an aura: the sensation that a seizure is going to occur. Symptoms during the seizure include loss of awareness, loss of consciousness, and convulsions. Convulsions are uncontrolled, rhythmic muscle spasms that occur in the arms, legs, neck, face and trunk. Tongue biting may also occur during a tonic clonic seizure. For a short time after the seizure, a person may be excessively sleepy and confused.

How does the doctor treat a tonic clonic seizure?
The initial treatment for a tonic clonic seizure includes anticonvulsant medications. Tonic clonic seizures that do not improve with anticonvulsant medications, treatment may include a vagus nerve stimulation implant. The implant sends a small electrical impulse to the brain via the vagus nerve, which is located in the chest.