A 26-year-old female is resting after a one-minute episode during which she lost consciousness while her muscles contracted and extremities extended. This was followed by rhythmic contraction and relaxation of her extremities. On regaining consciousness, she found herself to have been incontinent of urine. What has the woman most likely experienced?
A) A myoclonic seizure
B) A tonic-clonic seizure
C) An absence seizure
D) A complex partial seizure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A tonic-clonic seizure often begins with tonic contraction of the muscles with extension of the extremities and immediate loss of consciousness. Incontinence of the bladder and bowel is common. Cyanosis may occur from contraction of airway and respiratory muscles. The tonic phase is followed by the clonic phase, which involves rhythmic bilateral contraction and relaxation of the extremities. A myoclonic seizure involves bilateral jerking of muscles, generalized or confined to the face, trunk, or one or more extremities. Absence seizures are nonconvulsive, and complex partial seizures are accompanied by automatisms.

A 26-Year-Old Female Is Resting After a One-Minute Episode During