Convulsions

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Grand mal seizure

Convulsions - first aid - series

Convulsions

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 seizure, 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.

Alternative Names:

Seizure

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 there are no underlying causes that 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, and whether the eyes deviate in any direction.

Causes:

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

References:

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.

Ford, MD, ed. Clinical Toxicology. 1^st Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2001.

Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2^nd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003.

Review Date: 4/8/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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