Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Can you be conscious for a grand mal seizure/tonic-clonic?

Tue, 07/07/2009 - 19:52

A few weeks ago, at the age of 22,  I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I have had mainly focal epileptic seizures but recently suffered from a second tonic-clonic seizure in a month.

I was asleep and it was late at night for the first tonic-clonic seizure and I was at the hospital for EEG testing as well as video monitering.

During the second, it was late afternoon, I had suffered from two seizures that day and then after dozing off around 5:30, awoke to my neck turning almost all the way around and my arms twitching, then my body, and then my legs. I rememeber the entire thing... gasping for air and almost losing consiousness. I am currently taking 1500 mg. of Keppra and now will be increasing this dosage to 3000 mg.

I am 22, in perfect health... and now dealing with all of this. It is my knowledge that people that have grand mal seizures or tonic-clonic seizures, lose consciousness. Am I having some sort of different seizure, or what?!?! So confused...

Comments

Re: Can you be conscious for a grand mal seizure/tonic-clonic?

Submitted by RapDancer on Thu, 2012-04-12 - 22:02
9 out of 10 of my fits I can be awake through it... It can feel amazing, scary and right out there sometimes... I can see old memories flash by and can feel something just wanting to come out of me... I know it sounds crazy but yeah... But dont get me wrong I hate having it and it causes all sorts of dramas... But I live with it...

Re: Can you be conscious for a grand mal seizure/tonic-clonic?

Submitted by RapDancer on Thu, 2012-04-12 - 22:04
9 out of 10 of my fits I can be awake through it... And I have mostly Grand Mals... It can feel amazing, scary and right out there sometimes... I can see old memories flash by and can feel something just wanting to come out of me... I know it sounds crazy but yeah... But dont get me wrong I hate having them and it causes all sorts of dramas... But I live with it... I have also found I get angry and cranky for a few days before I have one... So I can be moody alot hehe

"Old memories flash by and

Submitted by KathleenBradley on Thu, 2019-07-25 - 01:24
"Old memories flash by and can feel something just wanting to come out of me" SAME. You summed up exactly how it feels for me when I have really violent complex partials or grand mals that Im sort of aware for. It feels like my muscles are trying to get out of my skin, and I suddenly start remembering/thinking about dreams I had in early childhood. Its fascinating how strange and specific siezures can be!

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.