Patients most commonly seek medical attention for generalised tonicclonic seizures (GTCS; grand mal seizures). In the initial phase of stiffening, consciousness is lost for a few seconds, causing falls, often with a forced scream (ictal cry). All-limb jerking then occurs, lasting for up to 2 minutes. Cyanosis, tongue-biting and urinary incontinence are common during these seizures. Post-ictal stertor, confusion and amnesia typically persist for several minutes.