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Convulsions

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Grand mal seizure
Grand mal seizure
Convulsions - first aid - series
Convulsions - first aid - series

Definition    Return to top

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 seizures, 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.

Considerations    Return to top

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 no causes can be identified, that person is said to have epilepsy. Epilepsy can usually be controlled well with medication.

Pay attention to:

Causes    Return to top

Symptoms    Return to top

The person may have warning symptoms before the attack, which may consist of:

First Aid    Return to top

  1. When a seizure occurs, the main goal is to protect the person from injury. Try to prevent a fall. Lay the person on the ground in a safe area. Clear the area of furniture or other sharp objects.
  2. Cushion the person's head.
  3. Loosen tight clothing, especially around the person's neck.
  4. Turn the person on his or her side. If vomiting occurs, this helps make sure that the vomit is not inhaled into the lungs.
  5. Look for a medical I.D. bracelet with seizure instructions.
  6. Stay with the person until he or she recovers, or until you have professional medical help. Meanwhile, monitor the person's vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing).

In an infant or child, if the seizure occurs with a high fever, cool the child gradually with tepid water. You can give the child acetaminophen (Tylenol) once he or she is awake, especially if the child has had fever convulsions before. DO NOT immerse the child in a cold bath. See fever convulsions.

DO NOT    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call 911 if:

Prevention    Return to top

People with epilepsy should always take any prescribed medication and wear a medical alert tag.

Keep fevers under control, especially in children.

References    Return to top

Pollack CV. Seizures. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 100.

Update Date: 10/5/2008

Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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