Final answer:
A tonic-clonic seizure, also known as a grand mal seizure, involves a two-phase muscular reaction due to abnormal brain activity. Causes can include brain injuries or genetic factors, and while there's no cure, medication or surgery can manage seizures. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow it by adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tonic-clonic seizure, previously known as a grand mal seizure, is a type of epileptic seizure characterized by two distinct phases. The 'tonic' phase involves the stiffening of muscles throughout the body, which often results in the person falling to the ground. The 'clonic' phase follows, where the individual experiences rhythmic muscle contractions . These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Possible causes include brain injury, infections, tumors, or genetic and environmental factors.
While the exact cause of epilepsy may be difficult to determine, the condition can be managed with anticonvulsant medications or, in severe cases, brain surgery to remove the affected area. Despite having no known cure, it has been observed that some children may outgrow epilepsy as they reach adulthood.