Convulsions

Table of Contents

Other names

Seizures
Involuntary Muscle Spasms
Neurological Spasms
Clonic Movements

Synopsis

Convulsions are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles, often associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They may involve violent shaking, rigidity, or rapid jerking of the limbs and body. Convulsions can occur with or without loss of consciousness, and they range in severity from mild twitches to intense full-body spasms.

Convulsions are most commonly associated with epilepsy, but they can also result from high fever (febrile seizures), head injuries, metabolic imbalances (such as low blood sugar), infections, toxins, and certain neurological conditions. Immediate medical evaluation is critical, especially for first-time convulsions, prolonged episodes, or seizures occurring in clusters.

Types of Convulsions:

  • Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizures: Loss of consciousness with full-body shaking.

  • Focal Seizures: Convulsions affecting only one part of the body.

  • Febrile Seizures: Seizures triggered by fever, typically in young children.

  • Myoclonic Seizures: Brief, shock-like muscle jerks.

  • Atonic Seizures: Sudden loss of muscle tone causing collapse (not convulsive but sometimes confused).

Common Causes:

  • Epilepsy

  • High fever (especially in young children)

  • Head trauma

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

  • Electrolyte imbalances (low sodium, calcium)

  • Central nervous system infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)

  • Stroke

  • Brain tumors

  • Drug or alcohol withdrawal

  • Toxic exposures (poisoning, heavy metals)

Severity Factors:

  • Duration: Convulsions lasting longer than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) are a medical emergency.

  • Frequency: Multiple seizures without full recovery in between indicate severe dysfunction.

  • Underlying cause: Brain injuries, tumors, or infections worsen the outlook.

  • Age and general health: Elderly and infants are more vulnerable to complications.

When to See a Doctor (Immediately):

  • First-time convulsion

  • Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes

  • Difficulty breathing, turning blue, or failure to regain consciousness after the seizure

  • Recurrent seizures without full recovery between them

  • Injury during a convulsion (e.g., head injury)

  • Seizure in someone with known diabetes, pregnancy, or known medical disorders

Natural Remedies

Maintain a safe environment: Move sharp or hard objects away to prevent injury during convulsions.

Protect the head: Place something soft under the person's head if possible.

Turn the person to the side: Helps keep the airway open and prevents aspiration if vomiting occurs.

Do not restrain: Let the convulsions run their course; restraining can cause injuries.

Do not put anything in the mouth: This myth is dangerous; it risks choking or dental injury.

Track the duration of the seizure: Vital information for medical providers.