Final answer:
The four phases of a grand mal seizure include the aura, tonic, clonic, and postictal stages. These phases range from early warnings to muscle contractions and recovery, associated with conditions like epilepsy which sometimes can be controlled with medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four general phases of a grand mal seizure, also known as a tonic-clonic seizure, are aura, tonic, clonic, and postictal phases. The aura is an early warning sign that may include sensory changes; during the tonic phase, there is a loss of consciousness with muscle stiffening; the clonic phase involves rhythmic muscle contractions; and the postictal phase is a period of confusion and recovery following the seizure. Epilepsy, which is often the underlying condition causing such seizures, can be related to a brain injury, disease, or genetic and environmental factors. Although there's no known cure for epilepsy, many can control their seizures with anticonvulsant medications, and some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition by adulthood.