information on convulsion

onvulsions are when a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. During convulsions, the person's muscles contract and relax repeatedly.

The term "convulsion" is often used interchangeably with "seizure," although there are many types of seizuresseizures, some of which have subtle or mild symptoms instead of convulsions. Seizures of all types are caused by disorganized and sudden electrical activity in the brain.

See also:

* EpilepsyEpilepsy
* Fever (febrile) convulsions in childrenFever (febrile) convulsions in children
* Generalized tonic clonic seizureGeneralized tonic clonic seizure
* Partial (focal) seizurePartial (focal) seizure
* Petit mal (absence) seizurePetit mal (absence) seizure
* SeizureSeizure

Considerations
Considerations

Convulsions can be unsettling to watch. Despite their appearance, most seizures are relatively harmless. They usually last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. However, if a seizure is prolonged, or if multiple seizures happen and the person doesn't awaken in between, this is a medical emergency.

If a person has recurring seizures, and no causes can be identified, that person is said to have epilepsyepilepsy. Epilepsy can usually be controlled well with medication.

Pay attention to:

* Which arms or legs are shaking
* Whether there is any change in consciousness
* Whether there is loss of urine or stool
* Whether the eyes move in any direction

Causes
Causes

* Alcohol useAlcohol use
* Barbiturates, intoxication or withdrawal
* Brain illness or injury
* Brain tumorBrain tumor (rare)
* ChokingChoking
* Drug abuseDrug abuse
* Electric shockElectric shock
* EpilepsyEpilepsy
* FeverFever (particularly in young children)
* Head injuryHead injury
* Heart diseaseHeart disease
* Heat illness (see heat intoleranceheat intolerance)
* Illicit drugs, such as angel dust (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines
* Low blood sugarLow blood sugar
* MeningitisMeningitis
* Poisoning
* StrokeStroke
* Toxemia of pregnancyToxemia of pregnancy
* UremiaUremia related to kidney failurekidney failure
* Very high blood pressure (malignant hypertensionmalignant hypertension)
* Venomous bites and stings (see snake bitesnake bite)
* Withdrawal from benzodiazepines (such as Valium)

Symptoms
Symptoms

* Brief blackout followed by period of confusion
* Drooling or frothing at the mouth
* Eye movements
* Grunting and snorting
* Loss of bladder or bowel control
* Sudden falling
* Teeth clenching
* Temporary halt in breathing
* Uncontrollable muscle spasms with twitching and jerking limbs
* Unusual behavior like sudden anger, sudden laughter, or picking at one's clothing

The person may have warning symptoms before the attack, which may consist of:

* Fear or anxiety
* Nausea
* Vertigo
* Visual symptoms (such as flashing bright lights, spots, or wavy lines before the eyes)

First Aid
First Aid

1. When a seizure occurs, the main goal is to protect the person from injury. Try to prevent a fall. Lay the person on the ground in a safe area. Clear the area of furniture or other sharp objects.
2. Cushion the person's head.
3. Loosen tight clothing, especially around the person's neck.
4. Turn the person on his or her side. If vomiting occurs, this helps make sure that the vomit is not inhaled into the lungs.
5. Look for a medical I.D. bracelet with seizure instructions.
6. Stay with the person until he or she recovers, or until you have professional medical help. Meanwhile, monitor the person's vital signs (pulsepulse, rate of breathing).

In an infant or child, if the seizure occurs with a high fever, cool the child gradually with tepid water. You can give the child acetaminophen (Tylenol) once he or she is awake, especially if the child has had fever convulsions before. DO NOT immerse the child in a cold bath. See fever convulsionsfever convulsions.
DO NOT
DO NOT

* DO NOT restrain the person.
* DO NOT place anything between the person's teeth during a seizure (including your fingers).
* DO NOT move the person unless he or she is in danger or near something hazardous.
* DO NOT try to make the person stop convulsing. He or she has no control over the seizure and is not aware of what is happening at the time.
* DO NOT give the person anything by mouth until the convulsions have stopped and the person is fully awake and alert.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 if:

* This is the first time the person has had a seizure.
* A seizure lasts more than 2 to 5 minutes.
* The person does not awaken or have normal behavior after a seizure.
* Another seizure starts soon after a seizure ends.
* The person had a seizure in water.
* The person is pregnant, injured, or has diabetes.
* The person does not have a medical ID bracelet (instructions explaining what to do).
* There is anything different about this seizure compared to the person's usual seizures.

Prevention
Prevention

People with epilepsy should always take any prescribed medication and wear a medical alert tag.

Keep fevers under control, especially in children.
References
References

Pollack CV. Seizures. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 100.
Update Date: 7/22/2009
Update Date: 7/22/2009

Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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MedlinePlus Topics

* Seizures


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Grand mal seizureConvulsions - first aid - series
Grand mal seizureConvulsions - first aid - series

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* Epilepsy
* Seizures


Patient Instructions

* Brain injury - discharge



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