A Lesson in Performance and Neuroscience by Kara Warnke
Grand Mal Seizure Quite literally, a “Big Bad Seizure.” The grand mal seizure occurs when the electrical signals in the brain begin to behave abnormally. Many neurons will begin to fire synchronously, causing the person to seize. The grand mal seizure consists of two stages: the tonic phase and the clonic phase. In the tonic phase, the person will lose consciousness and cause muscle contractions which force the body to fall to the ground. The clonic phase occurs for much longer and has more dire consequences. The muscles of the body repeatedly contract and convulse. The person will lose complete control over her own body and will lose consciousness even after the seizure has run its course (Mayo Clinic 2020).
~ “Can you tell me what day it is?” My nostrils burned from the smell of antiseptic. “Can you tell me what month it is?” This was not my bedroom. “Can you tell me what season it is?” This woman’s face wasn’t registered anywhere in my memory. “Can you tell me your name?” “I should know this.” I didn’t know any of this.
~ For two summers in high school, I went to a color guard camp at Michigan State University. I voluntarily devoted myself to spending twelve hours per day in the July heat and humidity while engaging every muscle in increasingly intense exercises. I hated every moment of it.
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