Which stage follows the clonic phase in a grand mal seizure?

• A. Aura
• B. Tonic phase
• C. Recovery
• D. Status epilepticus

Answer: (C)

In a generalized tonic–clonic (grand mal) seizure, the sequence goes from loss of consciousness with stiffening (tonic) to rhythmic jerking (clonic), and then into a recovery or postictal phase where consciousness returns and the person gradually becomes aware again. The clonic phase ends, and the brain settles into this recovery period, during which confusion, sleepiness, and fatigue are common. An aura is a subjective sensation that occurs before the seizure starts, not after the clonic phase. Status epilepticus refers to prolonged seizure activity without recovery between episodes, which is not a normal late phase of a single seizure. So the stage following the clonic phase is the recovery phase.