What seizure type is commonly referred to as 'grand mal'?

The term 'grand mal' refers to a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, which is characterized by convulsions that involve the entire body, leading to a loss of consciousness and body stiffening (tonic phase) followed by rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). This type of seizure is one of the most recognizable and associated with significant physical manifestations due to its widespread involvement of brain activity and muscle movement.

In contrast to myoclonic seizures, which involve brief, shock-like jerks of the body or limbs, and absence seizures, which result in brief lapses of consciousness without convulsions, tonic-clonic seizures showcase a prominent physical disturbance. Partial seizures (now termed focal seizures) are localized to one area of the brain and may not necessarily lead to loss of consciousness or the same level of convulsive activity. Therefore, 'grand mal' is specifically synonymous with the generalized tonic-clonic seizure due to its broader effects on the brain and the body's reaction to such electric discharges.