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grand mal

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noun \ ˈgrän(d)-ˌmäl , ˈgräⁿ-ˌmäl , -ˌmal ; ˈgran(d)-ˌmal \

Definition of grand mal

1 or grand mal epilepsy :severe epilepsy characterized by seizures in which there is an abrupt loss of consciousness with initially prolonged tonic muscle contractions followed by clonic muscle spasms
2 or grand mal seizure :a seizure marked by abrupt loss of consciousness with initially prolonged tonic muscle contractions followed by clonic muscle spasms

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Origin and Etymology of grand mal

French, literally, great illness

Medical Dictionary

grand mal

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noun \ ˈgrän(d)-ˌmäl , ˈgräⁿ-ˌmäl , -ˌmal; ˈgran(d)-ˌmal \

medical Definition of grand mal

1 or grand mal epilepsy :severe epilepsy characterized by tonic-clonic seizures :tonic-clonic epilepsy
2 or grand mal seizure :a tonic-clonic seizure
  • She estimates having had about 25 grand mals and 100 smaller-scale seizures since.
  • —Cicero A. Estrella,  San Francisco Chronicle,  21 Dec. 2001

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