In the stages of a grand mal seizure, which stage is described as the clonic phase?

• A. Aura
• B. Tonic phase
• C. Clonic phase
• D. Recovery

Answer: (C)

The clonic phase is the rhythmic jerking that follows the initial stiffening in a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. After the person loses consciousness, the body first becomes rigid (tonic phase) and then enters a phase of repeated, alternating contractions and relaxations of the muscles (clonic phase), which produces the convulsing movements observed. This clonic phase typically lasts from seconds to a couple of minutes. After the jerking subsides, the person enters the recovery (postictal) phase, during which consciousness gradually returns and the person may be confused or drowsy. An aura is a premonitory sensation that some people experience before the seizure starts, not part of the convulsive motor activity, and is separate from the clonic phase.