A 'grief attack,' also known as pangs of grief or grief spasms, is a sudden surge of overwhelming anguish rooted in loss, similar to a panic attack. Symptoms can include extreme anxiousness and a racing heart. Researchers are studying these attacks, which can range from uncomfortable to debilitating, with some bereaved adults experiencing them multiple times daily. Therapists and those who have lost loved ones are familiar with the phenomenon, which can be triggered by seemingly small reminders of the deceased.