Aura (None) |
Tonic phase (10 to 20 seconds) |
Sudden loss of consciousness |
Loss of posture with high risk of self injury depending on activity |
Brief flexion of arms, eyes deviated upward |
Extension of back, neck, arms, and legs |
Involuntary crying out from contraction of respiratory muscles |
Shallow respiration, cyanosis may occur |
Ends with tremors that gradually slow and merge with clonic phase |
Clonic phase (30 to 90 seconds) |
Brief, violent, generalized flexor contractions alternating with progressively longer muscle relaxation |
Cyanosis |
Possible cheek or tongue biting |
Foamy salivation |
Possible loss of bowel or bladder control |
Ends with deep inspiration, sustained muscle relaxation |
Postictal phase (Minutes to several hours) |
Headache, mild confusion |
Muscles sore |
Fatigue, patient may sleep and awake refreshed |
Other features |
Fast heart rate |
Elevated blood pressure |
Respiratory and metabolic acidosis |
Dilated pupils |
Risk of vertebral fracture, pneumonia |
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