AEMCA Practice Exam

What characterizes a tonic clonic seizure?

1. A localized muscle twitch

2. Loss of consciousness for a few seconds

3. Muscle stiffness followed by violent muscle contractions

4. Inability to speak after the seizure

The correct answer is: Muscle stiffness followed by violent muscle contractions

A tonic-clonic seizure is characterized by two distinct phases that involve significant motor activity. The tonic phase involves a sudden stiffening of the muscles, leading to a loss of posture and control, which can often result in the person falling. This is followed by the clonic phase, where there are rhythmic and violent contractions of the muscles, typically resulting in shaking or jerking movements throughout the body. These characteristics distinctly differentiate tonic-clonic seizures from other types of seizures. For example, a localized muscle twitch is more indicative of a focal seizure, while brief lapses in consciousness are associated with absence seizures rather than tonic-clonic seizures. After a tonic-clonic seizure, individuals may experience confusion or fatigue, but the primary hallmark is the violent muscle contractions that characterize the clonic phase. Therefore, the selected answer appropriately aligns with the clinical features of a tonic-clonic seizure, making it clear that this type of seizure involves both muscle stiffness and subsequent violent contractions.