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Grand mal seizures, also known as generalized tonic-clonic seizures, are characterized by a loss of consciousness. During this type of seizure, the individual experiences both a tonic phase, where the muscles become rigid, and a clonic phase, where there are rhythmic jerking movements. The loss of consciousness can last for several minutes, and the individual typically has no awareness of their surroundings during the seizure.

This type of seizure can significantly affect the brain's functions, leading to a disconnect from the environment. The other options, while they may be related to different types of seizures or other medical conditions, do not specifically define the primary characteristics seen in grand mal seizures. For instance, loss of speech might occur if a seizure affects the areas of the brain responsible for language, loss of motor control could refer to different seizure types or conditions, and loss of sensation may relate more to specific neurological disorders or types of seizures that do not involve a complete loss of consciousness. Thus, loss of consciousness is the defining feature of a grand mal seizure.