Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the person has recurrent seizures or convulsions.
In a grand mal seizure, the person suddenly loses consciousness and falls to the ground. This is followed by jerking of the muscles, usually lasting for several minutes. The person may bite his or her tongue and lose bowel and bladder control. Afterward, the person may either regain consciousness or go to sleep. Afterward, the person may be unaware that anything happened.