It generally lasts just a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

A tonic-clonic seizure can be classified as either a primary or secondary generalized seizure.

A seizure that lasts five minutes or longer is a potentially life-threatening emergency calledstatus epilepticus.

Female doctor assisting a senior woman

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It typically requires treatment with a fast-acting medication that stops the seizure right away.

Medications used to treat status epilepticus include intravenous forms of lorazepam, diazepam, and midazolam.

Avoiding Triggers

There are a variety of ways to effectively prevent seizures.

Anti-seizure medications, which are also referred to asanticonvulsants, are often recommended to prevent or reduce recurrent seizures.

Most people with epilepsy can prevent seizures and have a good quality of life.

That said, tonic-clonic seizures can pose some social and emotional challenges.

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