During which phase is muscle rigidity present and incontinence may occur?

• A. Tonic-clonic phase
• B. Postictal phase
• C. Aura phase
• D. Tonic phase

Answer: (D)

Muscle rigidity is a hallmark of the tonic phase of a generalized seizure. In this phase the body's muscles contract and remain stiff, producing a rigid, extended posture and often a rapid loss of consciousness. This sustained contraction can overwhelm automatic bladder control, so incontinence may occur. After the tonic phase comes the clonic phase, with rhythmic jerking, followed by a postictal period of confusion and fatigue as recovery begins. The aura is a pre-seizure sensation, and tonic-clonic describes the overall event, but the specific moment of sustained stiffness—and the potential incontinence—occurs during the tonic phase.