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Concept
Convulsion
Summary
A convulsion is a medical condition where the body muscles contract and relax rapidly and repeatedly, resulting in uncontrolled shaking. Because epileptic seizures typically include convulsions, the term convulsion is often used as a synonym for seizure. However, not all epileptic seizures result in convulsions, and not all convulsions are caused by epileptic seizures. Non-epileptic convulsions have no relation with epilepsy, and are caused by non-epileptic seizures.
Convulsions can be caused by epilepsy, infections, brain trauma, or other medical conditions. They can also occur from an electric shock or improperly enriched air for scuba diving.
The word fit is sometimes used to mean a convulsion or epileptic seizure.
A person having a convulsion may experience several different symptoms, such as a brief blackout, confusion, drooling, loss of bowel or bladder control, sudden shaking of the entire body, uncontrollable muscle spasms, or temporary cessation of breathing. Symptoms usually last from a few seconds to several minutes, although they can last longer.
Convulsions in children are not necessarily benign, and may lead to brain damage if prolonged. In these patients, the frequency of occurrence should not downplay their significance, as a worsening seizure state may reflect the damage caused by successive attacks. Symptoms may include:
Lack of awareness
Loss of consciousness
Eyes rolling back
Changes to breathing
Stiffening of the arms, legs, or whole body
Jerky movements of the arms, legs, body, or head
Lack of control over movements
Inability to respond
Most convulsions are the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Often, a specific cause is not clear. Numerous conditions can cause a convulsion.
Convulsions can be caused by specific chemicals in the blood, as well as infections like meningitis or encephalitis. Other possibilities include celiac disease, head trauma, stroke, or lack of oxygen to the brain. Sometimes the convulsion can be caused by genetic defects or brain tumors.
Official source
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