The description given matches a tonic-clonic seizure, formerly known as a grand mal seizure. This type of seizure typically involves the person losing consciousness, falling down, the body stiffening (tonic phase), followed by uncontrollable jerking movements (clonic phase).
Key Features of Tonic-Clonic Seizures:
- The person suddenly loses consciousness and falls.
- The body stiffens, causing rigidity.
- Following stiffening, repetitive jerking movements occur.
- It may be accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control.
- The jerking phase typically lasts 1 to 2 minutes.
- After the seizure, the person may be confused or very tired.
These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity spreading through the brain and are considered the most dramatic type of epileptic seizures. They require medical attention especially if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if multiple seizures occur without recovery in between.
This description fits perfectly with the symptoms of a person who “loses consciousness, falls, stiffens and then jerks uncontrollably” during a seizure event.
