Generalized tonic seizure
A generalized tonic seizure is a type of generalized motor seizure characterized by bilateral limb stiffening or elevation, often with neck stiffening without a subsequent clonic phase. The tonic activity can be a sustained abnormal posture, either in extension or flexion, sometimes accompanied by tremor of the extremities.
Also called: Generalised hypertonic seizure, Generalised tonic seizure, Generalised tonic seizures, Generalized hypertonic seizure, Generalized tonic seizures, Hypertonic seizures.
Conditions associated with generalized tonic seizure
The following conditions have been associated with generalized tonic seizure in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Bilateral generalized polymicrogyria
Bilateral generalized polymicrogyria is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and s...
CDKL5-deficiency disorder
CDKL5-deficiency disorder is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
CODAS syndrome
Codas syndrome is a multiple congenital anomalies syndrome characterized by Cerebral, Ocular, Dental, Auricula...
CTCF-related neurodevelopmental disorder
A rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, borderline to severe...
DPM1-CDG
DPM1-CDG is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Dravet syndrome
Dravet syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy is a medical condition that may be associated with ...
Early-onset progressive diffuse brain atrophy-microcephaly-muscle weakness-optic atrophy syndrome
Early-onset progressive diffuse brain atrophy-microcephaly-muscle weakness-optic atrophy syndrome is a medical...
Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia
Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Kohlschutter-Tonz syndrome-like
Kohlschutter-Tonz syndrome-like is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Lissencephaly due to LIS1 mutation
Lissencephaly due to LIS1 mutation is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and sig...
PCDH19 clustering epilepsy
PCDH19 clustering epilepsy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
PURA-related severe neonatal hypotonia-seizures-encephalopathy syndrome
PURA-related severe neonatal hypotonia-seizures-encephalopathy syndrome is a medical condition that may be ass...
Rasmussen subacute encephalitis
Rasmussen subacute encephalitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Recurrent metabolic encephalomyopathic crises-rhabdomyolysis-cardiac arrhythmia-intellectual disability syndrome
Recurrent metabolic encephalomyopathic crises-rhabdomyolysis-cardiac arrhythmia-intellectual disability syndro...
Self-limited infantile epilepsy
Self-limited infantile epilepsy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Self-limited neonatal epilepsy
Self-limited neonatal epilepsy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Unilateral polymicrogyria
Unilateral polymicrogyria is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
X-linked intellectual disability-cerebellar hypoplasia-spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia syndrome
X-linked intellectual disability-cerebellar hypoplasia-spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia syndrome is a medical con...
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 118
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 118 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symp...
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 119
A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by the variants in the RNU2-2 gene, in which most reported...
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 14
Any early infantile epileptic encephalopathy in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the KCNT1 gene...
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 51
Any early infantile epileptic encephalopathy in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the MDH2 gene....
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 63
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 63 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symp...
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 66
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 66 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symp...
early-onset progressive diffuse brain atrophy-microcephaly-muscle weakness-optic atrophy syndrome
early-onset progressive diffuse brain atrophy-microcephaly-muscle weakness-optic atrophy syndrome is a medical...
epilepsy, idiopathic generalized, susceptibility to, 9
Any generalized epilepsy in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the CACNB4 gene....
generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, type 2
Any febrile seizures, familial in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the SCN1A gene....
intellectual disability, autosomal dominant 42
Any autosomal dominant intellectual disability in which the cause of the disease is a heterozygous mutation in...
multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome 2
Any multiple congenital anomalies/dysmorphic syndrome-intellectual disability in which the cause of the diseas...
neurodegeneration, infantile-onset, with optic atrophy and brain abnormalities
neurodegeneration, infantile-onset, with optic atrophy and brain abnormalities is a medical condition that may...
neurodevelopmental disorder with dysmorphic facies, brain anomalies, and seizures
neurodevelopmental disorder with dysmorphic facies, brain anomalies, and seizures is a medical condition that ...
Tests providers may use to investigate generalized tonic seizure
When investigating generalized tonic seizure, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Magnesium
Measures magnesium levels, important for nerve and muscle function....
Thyroid Panel
Comprehensive thyroid testing including TSH, free T4, and free T3....
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside generalized tonic seizure
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Depression
Frequently experiencing feelings of being down, miserable, and/or hopeless; struggling to recover from these m...
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Muscle weakness
Reduced strength of muscles....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if generalized tonic seizure is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom generalized tonic seizure mean?
Generalized tonic seizure is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. A generalized tonic seizure is a type of generalized motor seizure characterized by bilateral limb stiffening or elevation, often with neck stiffening without a subsequent clonic phase. The tonic activity can be a sustained abnormal posture, either in extension or flexion, sometimes accompanied by tremor of the extremities.
Which conditions are associated with generalized tonic seizure?
Generalized tonic seizure has been reported in association with 33 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Bilateral generalized polymicrogyria, CDKL5-deficiency disorder, CODAS syndrome, CTCF-related neurodevelopmental disorder, DPM1-CDG. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about generalized tonic seizure?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.