Final answer:
Grand Mal seizures, part of epilepsy, feature tonic and clonic phases and impact up to three percent of people in the U.S. Causes range from genetic to environmental factors, and they can be managed with anticonvulsant medications or surgery in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Grand Mal seizures, which are characterized by both tonic and clonic phases, are a type of epilepsy. During the tonic phase, there is a sudden stiffening of the muscles usually resulting in a loss of consciousness. Following the tonic phase is the clonic phase, involving convulsions and rhythmic muscle contractions. Epilepsy may arise from various causes, including brain injury, infection, or tumor, and the condition may afflict individuals with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) due to developmental wiring malfunctions.
While up to three percent of the U.S. population may be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime, the exact cause of the condition often remains unidentified, likely being a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Seizures can typically be managed with anticonvulsant medications like diazepam, reducing the risk of brain damage and improving the long-term prognosis. In severe cases, brain surgery may be required to remove the area where seizures originate.