Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Seizure eTraining Slide 9

a) The tonic phase:  There is a cry and loss of consciousness
b) Arms flex up then extend in and remain rigid for a few seconds.
c) The clonic phase: Series of jerking movements take place as muscles contract and relax together. The jerking will slow down and will eventually stop.
d) Place on side to aid breathing and to keep the airway clear.

Failure to resume breathing signals a complication of the seizure such as a blocked airway, heart attack or severe head or neck injury. In these unusual circumstances, CPR must start immediately. If repeated seizures occur, or if a single seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, the person should be taken to a medical facility immediately. Prolonged or repeated seizures may suggest status epilepticus, which requires emergency medical treatment.

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