Grand Mal Seizure Causes

Seizures resulting from abnormal electrical stimulation in the brain, is a condition in which the muscles contract repeatedly for a minute or two. This involuntary muscle contraction typically causes uncontrolled repeated movements of any body part. Grand mal seizures occur in two phases. In the first phase the person loses consciousness while in the second phase all parts of the body suffer from uncontrolled shaking movement. In most cases, grand mal seizures typically do not last for more than two minutes.

As we all know, the neurons located inside the brain generate signals, that are eventually transmitted to the muscles. These electrical signals that are passed down to the muscles are actually responsible for their proper contraction and movement. However, in this type of seizure, the ability of neurons to send electrical signals properly is affected. The electrical signals are transmitted in a highly irresponsible manner. There is a lack of coordination between electrical signals of the neuron.

In grand mal seizures, these abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the neurons occur in major part of the brain. As a result, the jerking movements are widespread and hence affect the whole body. In other words, the entire body trembles and unlike other different types of seizures, this shaking movement does not remain restricted to limbs or hands.

Causes

Head Injury
Malfunctioning of the neurons in the brain that send and receive electrical signals may be due to traumatic head injuries. Such type of physical injuries to the head during an accident can predispose a person to grand mal seizures. People who have had traumatic head injuries were often diagnosed with this type of seizure, later in their life.

Meningitis
Our brain and the spinal cord is covered with a thin tissue that protect these organs from external damage. This protective tissue that surround these organs are basically the membranes and also referred as meninges. Meningitis is a condition in which these membranes are inflamed. This inflammation of the meninges can be the result of either a bacterial or a viral infection. Meningitis caused by bacteria are worrisome and hence has to be treated immediately. If left untreated, meningitis can interfere with the normal electrical activity of the brain and eventually cause convulsions. Even during treatment for bacterial meningitis, the patient may experience episodes of seizures occasionally.

Deficiency of Calcium or Magnesium
When calcium or magnesium levels in the blood dip below normal range, it can also trigger unwanted electrical activity in the brain, which may lead to convulsions. In other words, low calcium or magnesium levels in the blood can contribute to the development of grand mal seizure disorders.

Stroke
In this condition, the brain function rapidly deteriorates, because a part of the brain no longer gets sufficient blood supply. These abnormalities in the blood flow to the brain can induce grand mal seizures. Stroke-induced grand mal seizures can be recurrent or occur occasionally depending upon the amount of damage caused by the stroke.

Brain tumors
Uncontrolled cell division occurs inside the brain and leads to development of abnormal mass of tissue, known as tumor. It is observed that brain tumor patients are susceptible to grand mal seizure attack. In fact, studies show that seizure is a frequently occurring problem in people affected with brain tumors.

Treating the underlying cause is the key to manage this abnormal seizure activity effectively. Treatment isn't necessary if incidence of seizure is low. Frequently occurring episodes of seizures cannot be neglected and in such cases the doctor is likely to prescribe anti seizure medications such as phenytoin and oxcarbazepine. Generally a combination of anti seizure medicines are required to treat this condition effectively.