A convulsion is a condition characterized by rapid and uncontrollable muscle contractions and relaxations, leading to shaking of the body.
In more detail, a convulsion represents a sudden, involuntary series of muscle contractions. This uncontrolled motor activity can range from subtle twitching to violent shaking and loss of consciousness. Convulsions are often a symptom of an underlying medical condition rather than a disease itself.
Types of Convulsions:
While all convulsions involve involuntary muscle activity, the specifics can vary:
- Generalized Convulsions: Affect both sides of the brain and body. Examples include tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures).
- Focal Convulsions: Start in one area of the brain. The symptoms depend on the specific area affected. A focal seizure might involve twitching in one limb or altered sensation. Sometimes, a focal seizure can spread to become a generalized seizure.
Causes of Convulsions:
Convulsions can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
- High Fever: Especially in young children (febrile seizures).
- Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.
- Infections: Meningitis or encephalitis.
- Metabolic Imbalances: Low blood sugar, electrolyte abnormalities, or kidney failure.
- Drug Use/Withdrawal: Certain drugs and alcohol withdrawal can trigger convulsions.
- Poisoning: Exposure to toxins can cause seizures.
What to do During a Convulsion:
If someone is having a convulsion:
- Stay calm and time the seizure.
- Protect the person from injury. Clear the area of any sharp or hard objects.
- Gently turn the person onto their side to help keep their airway clear.
- Do not put anything in their mouth.
- Stay with the person until the seizure stops and they are fully conscious.
- Call emergency medical services (911 or your local emergency number) if:
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- The person has difficulty breathing.
- The person is injured.
- The person has another seizure soon after the first.
- You know it is their first seizure.
Convulsions are a serious symptom that requires medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
