Which type of seizures involves general muscle rigidity?

The type of seizures that involves general muscle rigidity is tonic seizures. During a tonic seizure, there is a sudden increase in muscle tone causing the muscles to stiffen, often leading to a person falling to the ground. This rigidity typically affects the entire body, which distinguishes tonic seizures from other types that may have different presentations.

In contrast, complex partial seizures mainly involve impaired consciousness without the generalized muscle stiffness characteristic of tonic seizures. Absence seizures are typically brief episodes of unawareness or "staring spells" without any noticeable muscle rigidity. Myoclonic seizures involve sudden, brief involuntary muscle jerks rather than widespread muscle stiffness. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why tonic seizures are specifically associated with general muscle rigidity.