Which type of seizure involves alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles?

The type of seizure that involves alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles is a tonic-clonic seizure, often referred to as a grand mal seizure. This seizure is characterized by two distinct phases: the tonic phase, during which the muscles stiffen and the individual loses consciousness, followed by the clonic phase, where rhythmic jerking movements occur as the muscles alternate between contraction and relaxation.

In this seizure type, the pattern of alternating muscle tone results in the typical convulsions associated with grand mal seizures. This makes it visibly distinct and often alarming to observers due to the vigorous muscle activity and loss of awareness.

Other types of seizures, such as myoclonic seizures, involve sudden and brief muscle jerks, which do not include the alternating tone seen in tonic-clonic seizures. Generalized seizures encompass a variety of seizure types but do not specifically describe the alternating muscle contractions and relaxations. Motor seizures focus on movement but lack the defined characteristics and stages of tonic-clonic seizures.