AEMCA Practice Exam

What might you NOT expect during a tonic clonic seizure?

1. Muscle stiffness at the onset

2. Loss of consciousness

3. Inability to move for several hours post-seizure

4. Violent and repeated muscle contractions

The correct answer is: Inability to move for several hours post-seizure

In the context of a tonic-clonic seizure, it is accurate to say that you would not typically expect the inability to move for several hours after the seizure has ended. Tonic-clonic seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, are characterized by two distinct phases: the tonic phase, where there is a sudden onset of muscle stiffness and loss of consciousness, followed by the clonic phase, which includes violent, rhythmic muscle contractions. Postictal episodes, which occur after the seizure, can involve confusion, fatigue, muscle soreness, or weakness, but they usually last a short time, typically minutes to an hour. The physical recovery process usually allows individuals to regain motor function relatively quickly. Therefore, being unable to move for several hours would be an atypical outcome following a tonic-clonic seizure. In contrast, the other symptoms listed are standard for this type of seizure. Muscle stiffness at the onset is typical and reflects the tonic phase. Loss of consciousness occurs almost universally during a tonic-clonic seizure, as the brain's normal function is disrupted. Lastly, violent and repeated muscle contractions characterize the clonic phase of the seizure, consistent with what is expected during this type of seizure activity.