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tonic–clonic seizure

a seizure characterized by both tonic and clonic motor movements. In the tonic phase, the muscles go into spasm and the individual falls to the ground unconscious; breathing may be suspended. This is followed by the clonic phase, marked by rapidly alternating contraction and relaxation of the muscles, resulting in jaw movements (the tongue may be bitten) and urinary incontinence. Formerly called grand mal seizure.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

facial disfigurement

facial disfigurement

any distortion, malformation, or abnormality of facial features due to injury, disease, or congenital anomaly. Because of a common tendency to assign traits to individuals on the basis of their facial features, people with facial disfigurements are particularly vulnerable to social, psychological, and economic discrimination and unfavorable stress effects.