Generalized seizures (grand mal) are characterized by which features?

• A. Short spells of confusion
• B. Localized jerking in one limb
• C. Unresponsive with full-body convulsions
• D. Absence of movement with gaze fixation

Answer: (C)

Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain from the start, causing loss of consciousness and widespread motor activity. In a grand mal seizure, the person typically becomes unresponsive and experiences body-wide tonic stiffening followed by rhythmic clonic shaking of the limbs, sometimes with apnea, tongue biting, or incontinence, and then a postictal period of confusion and fatigue as they recover. This pattern fits the description of being unresponsive with full-body convulsions, which is why it’s the best answer.

Short spells of confusion suggest transient cognitive disruption rather than a full-body convulsion; localized jerking in one limb points to a focal (partial) seizure; and absence with gaze fixation involves brief loss of awareness without generalized convulsions.