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Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic MeSH Descriptor Data 2026


MeSH Heading
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic
Tree Number(s)
C10.228.140.490.375.290
Unique ID
D004830
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D004830
Annotation
do not confuse with EPILEPSY, TONIC see EPILEPSY, GENERALIZED
Scope Note
A generalized seizure disorder characterized by recurrent major motor seizures. The initial brief tonic phase is marked by trunk flexion followed by diffuse extension of the trunk and extremities. The clonic phase features rhythmic flexor contractions of the trunk and limbs, pupillary dilation, elevations of blood pressure and pulse, urinary incontinence, and tongue biting. This is followed by a profound state of depressed consciousness (post-ictal state) which gradually improves over minutes to hours. The disorder may be cryptogenic, familial, or symptomatic (caused by an identified disease process). (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p329)
Entry Term(s)
Convulsions, Grand Mal
Cryptogenic Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Grand Mal
Epilepsy, Major
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic, Cryptogenic
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic, Familial
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic, Symptomatic
Familial Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy
Grand Mal Seizure Disorder
Major Motor Seizure Disorder
Seizure Disorder, Grand Mal
Seizure Disorder, Major Motor
Seizure Disorder, Tonic Clonic
Symptomatic Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy
Tonic Clonic Convulsions
Tonic-Clonic Convulsion Disorder
Tonic-Clonic Convulsion Syndrome
Tonic-Clonic Seizure Disorder
Tonic-Clonic Seizure Syndrome
NLM Classification #
WL 385
Public MeSH Note
1992; see EPILEPSY, GRAND MAL 1963-1991
History Note
1992(1963)
Date Introduced
1992/01/01
Last Updated
2005/07/30
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic Preferred
Cryptogenic Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy Narrower
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic, Familial Narrower
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic, Symptomatic Narrower
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