This _tonic_ stage only lasts a few seconds, and is followed by
convulsions. The head turns from side to side, the jaws snap, the eyes
roll, saliva and blood mingle as foam on the lips, the face is contorted in
frightful grimaces, the arms and legs are twisted and jerked about, the
breathing is deep and irregular, the whole body writhes violently, and is
bathed in sweat.

The spasms become gradually less severe, and finally cease. Deep breathing
continues for some seconds; then the victim becomes semi-conscious, looks
around bewildered, and sinks into coma or deep sleep.

"...As one that falls,
He knows not how, by force demoniac dragg'd
To earth, and through obstruction fettering up
In chains invisible the powers of Man;
Who, risen from his trance, gazeth around
Bewilder'd with the monstrous agony
He hath indured, and, wildly staring, sighs:
..."

In a few hours he wakes, with headache and mental confusion, not knowing he
has been ill until told, and having no recollection of events just
preceding the seizure, until reminded of them when they are slowly, and
with painful effort, brought to mind. He is exhausted, and often vomits. In
severe cases he may be deaf, dumb, blind, or paralysed for some hours,
while purple spots (the result of internal hemorrhage) may appear on the
head and neck. Victims often pass large quantities of colourless urine
after an attack, and, as a rule, are quite well again within twenty-four
hours.