Convulsions Health Article

Definition

Convulsions 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 seizures, 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.

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 epilepsy. 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

• Alcohol use
• Barbiturates, intoxication or withdrawal
• Brain illness or injury
• Brain tumor (rare)
• Choking
• Drug abuse
• Electric shock
• Epilepsy
• Fever (particularly in young children)
• Head injury
• Heart disease
• Heat illness (see heat intolerance)
• Illicit drugs, such as angel dust (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines
• Low blood sugar
• Meningitis
• Poisoning
• Stroke
• Toxemia of pregnancy
• Uremia related to kidney failure
• Very high blood pressure (malignant hypertension)
• Venomous bites and stings (see snake bite)
• Withdrawal from benzodiazepines (such as Valium)

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)