Summary about Disease
Convulsions, also known as seizures, are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. They can cause changes in your behavior, movements, feelings, and level of consciousness. There are many types of seizures, with varying symptoms and causes. Not all convulsions are caused by epilepsy. A single convulsion does not necessarily mean you have epilepsy.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of seizure. They can include:
Uncontrollable jerking and shaking movements (tonic-clonic seizures)
Temporary confusion
Staring spell
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety, or déjà vu
Sudden falling
Muscle spasms
Aura (a warning sensation or feeling) before a seizure
Causes
Causes of convulsions can include:
Epilepsy (the most common cause)
High fever (especially in children)
Head trauma
Stroke
Brain tumor
Infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
Drug or alcohol withdrawal
Electrolyte imbalances (low sodium or calcium)
Sleep deprivation
Certain medications
Genetic factors
Prenatal injury
Unknown causes (idiopathic)
Medicine Used
The primary medications used to treat convulsions, particularly in cases of epilepsy, are called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) or anti-seizure medications. Common examples include:
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Valproic acid (Depakote)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Topiramate (Topamax)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium) and Lorazepam (Ativan) (often used for emergency seizure control) Note: Medication must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
Is Communicable
Convulsions are not communicable or contagious. They are not caused by an infectious agent that can be spread from person to person.
Precautions
If someone is having a convulsion:
Stay calm.
Protect the person from injury: gently guide them to the floor if they are standing, remove any nearby objects that could cause harm, and cushion their head.
Loosen tight clothing around their neck.
Do not put anything in their mouth. This can cause injury.
Turn them onto their side to help keep their airway clear.
Time the seizure.
Stay with the person until the seizure stops and they are fully conscious.
Call for emergency medical help (911 or your local emergency number) if:
The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
The person has difficulty breathing or is injured.
The person has multiple seizures in a row.
The person is pregnant or has diabetes.
It is the person's first seizure. For individuals with a history of seizures follow their prescribed medication regime and follow medical advice.
How long does an outbreak last?
Convulsions are individual events, not outbreaks. The length of a seizure usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. Status epilepticus, a dangerous condition, is when a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or when seizures occur close together without the person recovering between them. This requires immediate medical intervention.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history: Review of the person's symptoms, past medical conditions, and family history.
Physical and neurological exam: Assessment of motor skills, sensory function, mental status, and reflexes.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): A test that records the electrical activity of the brain. This is the most common test used to diagnose seizures and epilepsy.
Imaging studies (MRI or CT scan): To look for structural abnormalities in the brain, such as tumors, strokes, or other lesions.
Blood tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances, infections, or other medical conditions that could be causing seizures.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): May be done if infection is suspected.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies depending on the type of seizure:
Aura (optional): Some people experience a warning sensation (aura) before a seizure, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Seizure: The convulsion itself typically lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Postictal phase: After the seizure, the person may experience confusion, drowsiness, headache, muscle soreness, or weakness. This phase can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Important Considerations
Epilepsy is a chronic condition that requires ongoing medical management.
Adherence to prescribed medication is crucial for seizure control.
Certain triggers can increase the risk of seizures, such as sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol, and certain medications.
Driving restrictions may apply to individuals with seizures.
Support groups and educational resources can provide valuable information and support for individuals with epilepsy and their families.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a rare but serious risk associated with epilepsy. Proper seizure control can help reduce the risk.