Common Causes
What Is A Seizure Or Convulsion? A seizure attack happens when the brain functions abnormally or rather when there is a sudden unusual electrical behavior amongst the neurons within the brain. The causes of paroxysm in kids are many, like -
Related Conditions
Convulsions can be a symptom of a number of conditions, including a sudden fever spike, tetanus, or very low blood sugar. Keep reading to learn more about what causes them and what to do if someone is having a convulsion. What causes convulsions? A convulsion is a type of seizure. Seizures involve bursts of electrical activity in the brain.
What is a seizure or convulsion?
Types of Convulsions 1 Epileptic. Epileptic seizures are characterized by electrical disturbances in the brain. 2 Febrile. Febrile seizures are brought on by a high fever. ... 3 Non-Epileptic. Non-epileptic seizures belong to a broad category of conditions that are not caused by electrical disturbances in the brain. 4 Medication-Induced. ...
What are convulsions and what causes them?
A seizure attack happens when the brain functions abnormally or rather when there is a sudden unusual electrical behavior amongst the neurons within the brain. The causes of paroxysm in kids are many, like -
What are the different types of convulsions?
What is a seizure attack?
What is a convulsion caused by?
Convulsions can occur during certain kinds of epileptic seizures, but you can have convulsions even though you don't have epilepsy. Convulsions can be a symptom of a number of conditions, including a sudden fever spike, tetanus, or very low blood sugar.
What are signs of convulsions?
General symptoms or warning signs of a seizure can include:Staring.Jerking movements of the arms and legs.Stiffening of the body.Loss of consciousness.Breathing problems or stopping breathing.Loss of bowel or bladder control.Falling suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when associated with loss of consciousness.More items...
What happens during convulsion?
During a seizure, there is a sudden intense burst of electricity that disrupts how the brain usually works. This activity can happen on one small part of the brain and last for just a couple of seconds, or it can spread right across the brain and keep going for many minutes.
What does it mean to go into convulsion?
Listen to pronunciation. (kun-VUL-zhun) A condition in which muscles contract and relax quickly and cause uncontrolled shaking of the body. Head injuries, high fevers, some medical disorders, and certain drugs can cause convulsions.
Can convulsions cause death?
A convulsion might obstruct a person's airway, leading to suffocation. Other possibilities center around the heart. Some experts theorize that a heart arrhythmia or cardiac arrest might lead to death in SUDEP. It is possible SUDEP could also occur from a combination of cardiac and breathing factors.
How do you stop a convulsion?
First AidKeep other people out of the way.Clear hard or sharp objects away from the person.Don't try to hold them down or stop the movements.Place them on their side, to help keep their airway clear.Look at your watch at the start of the seizure, to time its length.Don't put anything in their mouth.
Are convulsions serious?
A long convulsive seizure (called "tonic-clonic or convulsive status epilepticus") is a medical emergency. Generally speaking, a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer is a medical emergency.
Are convulsions painful?
Generally, the experience of having a seizure does not hurt. That's because some seizures cause unconsciousness, so you're unaware of what is happening. However, you might have a headache before or after a seizure.
What drugs cause convulsions?
Drugs That Can Cause SeizuresCocaine.Amphetamines.Methamphetamine.MDMA.Opioids.Opiates.Marijuana.CBD.More items...•
What is difference between seizure and convulsion?
Convulsions involve uncontrollable shaking, but if you have a seizure you can simply feel confused without a physical reaction. You might easily appear to be staring at something that isn't there. There are certain types of seizures that will cause someone to fall, shake, and lose consciousness.
What to do if someone is convulsing?
loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a collar or tie, to aid breathing. turn them on to their side after their convulsions stop – read more about the recovery position. stay with them and talk to them calmly until they recover. note the time the seizure starts and finishes.
Can stress cause convulsions?
What you may want to know is why. The reason is that all of these situations change your brain's excitability. Your brain is very sensitive to these changes, and if there is a big enough change from normal, you may begin to have a seizure. Emotional stress also can lead to seizures.
What is the difference between a convulsion and a seizure?
A convulsion is a general term that people use to describe uncontrollable muscle contractions. Some people may use it interchangeably with the word “seizure,” although a seizure refers to an electrical disturbance in the brain. Seizures may cause a person to have convulsions, but this is not always the case.
Is convulsion and seizure the same?
The term "seizure" is often used interchangeably with "convulsion." During convulsions a person has uncontrollable shaking that is rapid and rhythmic, with the muscles contracting and relaxing repeatedly. There are many different types of seizures. Some have mild symptoms without shaking.
What to do if someone is convulsing?
loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a collar or tie, to aid breathing. turn them on to their side after their convulsions stop – read more about the recovery position. stay with them and talk to them calmly until they recover. note the time the seizure starts and finishes.
What drugs cause convulsions?
Drugs That Can Cause SeizuresCocaine.Amphetamines.Methamphetamine.MDMA.Opioids.Opiates.Marijuana.CBD.More items...•
What is a convulsion?
Outlook. A convulsion is a general term that people use to describe uncontrollable muscle contractions. Some people may use it interchangeably with the word “seizure,” although a seizure refers to an electrical disturbance in the brain. Seizures may cause a person to have convulsions, but this is not always the case.
What is the condition that causes convulsions?
According to the National Centre for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is a rare condition that causes convulsions.
How long do febrile seizures last?
Febrile seizures cause convulsions that typically last up to 5 minutes.
What is the most common type of epileptic seizures?
Sometimes, epileptic seizures can cause a person to experience convulsions. The most common type is called tonic-clonic seizures. “Tonic” means stiffening while “clonic” means jerking. These movements describe the primary characteristics of the seizure.
What is it called when a person's muscles contract uncontrollably?
A convulsion occurs when a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably. They can continue for a few seconds or many minutes. Convulsions can happen to a specific part of a person’s body or may affect their whole body.
What to do if someone is experiencing a convulsion?
What to do if a person is experiencing convulsions. Placing a person experiencing convulsions on their side can assist their breathing. , if a person is experiencing convulsions over most of their body, there are various first-aid practices someone can do to help them.
How long do convulsions last?
The convulsions typically last less than 5 minutes but can last longer in some cases. A person will usually experience fewer episodes as they get older. It is a genetic condition, which means a parent can pass it on to their children.
What Is A Seizure Or Convulsion?
A seizure attack happens when the brain functions abnormally or rather when there is a sudden unusual electrical behavior amongst the neurons within the brain.
What is the difference between a convulsion and a seizure?
Though convulsions and seizures are used interchangeably, there is in fact a difference between the two. A seizure is the brain’s abnormal activity of the electrical impulse; whereas, a convulsion is a distinct symptom of a seizure.
What are the different types of seizures?
Different Types Of Convulsions 1 Partial or focal seizure when only a part of the brain is affected 2 Generalized seizure when both the left and right hemisphere of the brain is affected. Sub types include, petit mal, convulsive seizures, atonic seizures, clonic seizures, tonic seizure and myoclonic seizure 3 Non Epileptic seizures are convulsions that do not occur because of epilepsy 4 Infantile spams are a type of epilepsy seizures that do not fall under the above categories
How to prevent a seizure attack?
If the convulsions occur due to a certain medication or infections, measures can be taken to try and get rid of them. However, very often the causes may not be known, and the best you can do while the child is having an attack is placing him sideways and clear the area around. Loosen the clothing around the neck and head, and do not put anything inside the child’s mouth. Do not try to stop or restrain the child.
What to do if your child has an attack?
If your child has had an attack, the doctor will want to know details about your pregnancy and delivery, if the child has had high fever or injuries, if there have been any cases of seizures in the family and so on. It is best to describe the attack accurately and follow the doctor’s instructions in conducting blood tests, ECG or a CAT scan too.
Is a convulsion a serious threat?
Convulsions though looks d readful, may not always mean a serious threat. However, if they are repetitive and often, then immediate attention should be sought after.
What is a convulsion?
A convulsion is a type of seizure. Seizures involve bursts of electrical activity in the brain. There are many different types of seizures, and the symptoms of a seizure depend on where in the brain the seizure is happening. These electrical storms in the brain may be caused by illness, a reaction to a medication, or other medical conditions.
What causes a convulsion?
Convulsions can be a symptom of a number of conditions, including a sudden fever spike, tetanus, or very low blood sugar. Keep reading to learn more about what causes them and what to do if someone is having a convulsion.
How long do convulsions last?
Convulsions are easy to spot, with symptoms such as: These symptoms usually last from a few seconds to several minutes, though they can last longer. Children may be cranky after a febrile convulsion and some may fall into a deep sleep lasting an hour or more.
How to stop a fever from a convulsion?
Febrile convulsions are likely to end before you can call for help. Try to lower the fever by taking off extra blankets and heavy clothing. Offer comfort and reassurance.
Does having a febrile convulsion increase the risk of developing epilepsy?
Having had febrile convulsions does not increase the risk of developing epilepsy.
Is a convulsion a singular event?
Convulsions can be a singular event. You may never learn the cause or have any ill effects.
Can you have epilepsy if you have convulsions?
If you’ve had convulsions, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have epilepsy, but it could. Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic condition. Convulsions can be a reaction to a single medical event or a part of a medical condition.
What is the name of the disorder that is characterized by attacks of involuntary movements and pathological poses that?
Paroxysmal dyskinesia (the obsolete name "paroxysmal choreoathetosis") is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by attacks of involuntary movements and pathological poses that proceed without disturbance of consciousness.
What is epileptic seizures?
Typical epileptic seizures ("standard clinical model of convulsive generalized tonic-clonic seizure") are characterized by a sudden onset, short (most often) duration, periodicity of occurrence , stereotyped manifestations, presence of seizures as the main manifest sign, presence of phases (tonic and clonic) in the attack , a violation of consciousness. With the correct selection of the drug is characterized by the therapeutic effect of anticonvulsants (in most cases). However, occasionally epileptic seizures can occur without typical epileptic phases, without characteristic generalized seizures and even with conserved consciousness (for example, some variants of frontal epileptic seizures). Epileptic activity on the EEG is also not always found. The epileptic nature of the attack is indicated by such features as the presence of postictal changes in consciousness and an electroencephalogram; reaction to sleep deprivation, which allows to detect EEG signs of epilepsy; the presence of psychosensory, affective and behavioral symptoms characteristic of the ictal period of epilepsy, making the diagnosis of epilepsy unquestionable. Sometimes, confirmation of the diagnosis of epilepsy requires a polygraphic recording of night sleep or more sophisticated methods of recording the bioelectrical activity of the cortex and subcortical structures of the brain. Additional indirect confirmation of the epileptic nature of the attack is the exclusion of other possible causes of the attack.
What is the reaction to sleep deprivation?
the reaction to sleep deprivation (electroencephalographic and clinical) is directly opposite with paroxysmal dyskinesia and epilepsy (activation shifts on the EEG in the first case and the increase in hypersynchronization in the second, a decrease in dyskinesia in paroxysmal dyskinesia and provocation of seizures with epilepsy).
How to tell between epileptic and psychogenic seizures?
The most reliable differences between psychogenic seizures from epileptic ones are a deviation from the standard model of the motor pattern of the epileptic attack, absence of epileptic activity on the EEG in the attack, absence of slowing of the rhythms in the post-obstructive EEG, absence of a connection between the frequency of seizures and the concentration of anticonvulsants in the blood plasma. As a rule, positive criteria for the diagnosis of psychogenic disorder are revealed and the so-called polysymptomatic form of hysteria takes place.
What are the predominant elements in the structure of the motor manifestations of the attack?
The predominant element in the structure of the motor manifestations of the attack are dystonic spasms and dystonic postures, but tonic, choreic, myoclonic, ballistic or mixed movements are possible. Similar attacks in some patients develop only during sleep (hypnotic paroxysmal dyskinesia). Described sporadically and heritable forms. These attacks develop only in the phase of slow sleep, can be nightly and sometimes occur up to 10 or more times per night.
How long are kinesiogenic seizures?
Nekinesiogenic seizures are provoked by emotional stress, intellectual tension, pain; often they develop spontaneously for no apparent reason. Nekinesiogenic seizures in 100% are long (from 1 to several hours); they occur much less often (from 1 a day to 1 a week or 1 in a few weeks). A special form of seizures is also singled out: it is sometimes called "intermediate", because their duration is 5-30 minutes, and the attack itself is provoked, strictly speaking, not by movement, but by prolonged physical exertion.
What are some examples of motor patterns that are not characteristic of epilepsy?
features of the motor pattern that are not characteristic of epilepsy (for example, alternation from an attack to an attack of left-sided, right-sided and bilateral attacks in the same patient, or the appearance of a cross syndrome);
What is it called when you have seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain?
Seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain are called generalized seizures. Different types of generalized se izures include:
What happens if you fall during a seizure?
If you fall during a seizure, you can injure your head or break a bone. Drowning. If you have a seizure while swimming or bathing, you're at risk of accidental drowning. Car accidents. A seizure that causes loss of either awareness or control can be dangerous if you're driving a car or operating other equipment.
How long does a seizure last?
Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency. Seizures are more common than you might think. Seizures can happen after a stroke, a closed head injury, an infection such as meningitis or another illness.
How many hours apart can you have two seizures?
It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. Having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that aren't brought on by an identifiable cause is generally considered to be epilepsy. There are many types of seizures, which range in symptoms and severity. Seizure types vary by where in the brain ...
What is a temporary confusion spell?
Temporary confusion. A staring spell. Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs. Loss of consciousness or awareness. Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety or deja vu. Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, based on how and where abnormal brain activity begins.
What to do if you have a seizure for the first time?
If you experience a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice.
What is a focal seizure?
Focal seizures. Focal seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in one area of your brain. Focal seizures can occur with or without loss of consciousness: Focal seizures with impaired awareness. These seizures involve a change or loss of consciousness or awareness that feels like being in a dream.
What is a seizure?
Your brain is made of billions of neurons . These nerve cells process and share all of the information required for your body to function and your mind to think by discharging electrical currents. Usually, these interactions occur without any issues.
What is a seizure disorder?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where brain activities are abnormal, causing more than one or recurrent episodes of seizures. Most cases of seizures can be managed conservatively with medication and supportive treatments.
How many different types of seizures are there?
There are about 40 different types of seizure disorders, in which epilepsy is one. Symptoms depend on the type of disorder, but can include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled twitching or shaking of one side, or the entire body.
What are the two medical terms that are often confused with one another?
Seizure and convulsion are two medical terms that are often confused with one another. Most people use these two terms interchangeably without knowing which is which.
What to do when someone has a seizure?
If you have a family member, friend, or relative who experiences a seizure that involves convulsions or other physical symptoms, here are the recommended steps to take: Be calm. Watching a seizure can be frightening, especially for people seeing convulsions for the first time.
How is medication selected for seizure?
Your medication and treatment plan is then selected based on the type of seizure, your age, any potential side effects, and the ease of use.
What is a generalized seizure?
Generalized seizures, which involve the whole brain. Focal seizures, which take place in a specific part of the brain. Your doctor will likely conduct a number of physical examinations, especially if you have experienced any dangerous convulsions as part of your symptoms.
What is a tonic clonic seizure?
Tonic-clonic seizures, also called grand mal seizures, can make a person. Cry out. Lose consciousness. Fall to the ground. Have muscle jerks or spasms. The person may feel tired after a tonic-clonic seizure. Focal seizures are located in just one area of the brain. These seizures are also called partial seizures.
What are the words used to describe seizures?
These words are used to describe generalized seizures: Tonic: Muscles in the body become stiff. Atonic: Muscles in the body relax. Myoclonic: Short jerking in parts of the body. Clonic: Periods of shaking or jerking parts on the body.
What are the two types of seizures?
Seizures are classified into two groups. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. Absence seizures, sometimes called petit mal seizures, can cause rapid blinking or a few seconds of staring into space. Tonic-clonic seizures, also called grand mal seizures, can make a person. Cry out.
How do you know if you have a seizure?
A person having a seizure may seem confused or look like they are staring at something that isn’t there. Other seizures can cause a person to fall, shake, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.
What is the name of the disorder of the brain?
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain. People are diagnosed with epilepsy when they have had two or more seizures.
Where do secondary seizures occur?
Secondary generalized seizures begin in one part of the brain, but then spread to both sides of the brain. In other words, the person first has a focal seizure, followed by a generalized seizure.
Can epilepsy cause a strange taste?
These seizures can cause twitching or a change in sensation, such as a strange taste or smell. Complex focal seizures can make a person with epilepsy confused or dazed. The person will be unable to respond to questions or direction for up to a few minutes.
What is the name of the disorder in which the brain is abnormally able to make seizures?
Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness.
What happens if you fall during a seizure?
If you fall during a seizure, you can injure your head or break a bone. Drowning. If you have epilepsy, you're 15 to 19 times more likely to drown while swimming or bathing than the rest of the population because of the possibility of having a seizure while in the water. Car accidents.
What causes epilepsy in older adults?
Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes, can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35. Infectious diseases. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause epilepsy. Prenatal injury.
What are the causes of epilepsy?
Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular) diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. You can take a number of steps to reduce your risk of these diseases, including limiting your intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Dementia.
Can seizures go away with age?
Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age. Epilepsy care at Mayo Clinic.
Can focal seizures be confused with other neurological disorders?
Symptoms of focal seizures may be confused with other neurological disorders, such as migraine, narcolepsy or mental illness. A thorough examination and testing are needed to distinguish epilepsy from other disorders.
Can you have a seizure without a trigger?
Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. Having a single seizure doesn't mean you have epilepsy. At least two seizures without a known trigger (unprovoked seizures) that happen at least 24 hours apart are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis.