Convulsions/Epilepsy/Fits

Convulsions/Epilepsy/Fits

A convulsion is a condition where body muscles repeatedly contract and relax rapidly, resulting in an uncontrolled shaking of the body. Convulsions are commonly referred to as "fits". Convulsions are also known as "seizure". There are many types of seizures, some of which have mild symptoms instead of convulsions. Seizures of all types are caused by disorganized and sudden electrical activity in the brain. Convulsions can be disturbing to watch.Most seizures are harmless. They usually last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. But if a seizure is prolonged, or if multiple seizures happen and the person doesn't awaken in between, then he should be immediately shifted to hospital. A convulsion is a symptom of an epileptical seizure. However, not all epileptic seizures lead to convulsions, and not all convulsions are caused by epileptic seizures. Convulsions are also consistent with an electric shock. Causes      Epilepsy    Fever (particularly in young children)    Head injury    Heart disease    Electric shock    Alcohol use    Barbiturates, intoxication or withdrawal    Brain illness or injury    Brain tumor (rare)    Choking    Drug abuse    Heat illness (see heat intolerance)    Illicit drugs, such as angel dust (PCP),cocaine, amphetamines    Low blood sugar    Meningitis    Poisoning    Stroke    Toxaemia of pregnancy    kidney failure(uraemia)    Very high blood pressure (malignant hypertension)    Venomous bites and stings    Withdrawal from benzodiazepines (such as Valium) Symptoms    Brief blackout followed by period of confusion    Drooling or frothing at the mouth    Eye movements    Grunting and snorting    Loss of bladder or bowel control    Sudden falling    Teeth clenching    Temporary halt in breathing    Uncontrollable muscle spasms with twitching and jerking limbs    Unusual behavior like sudden anger, sudden laughter, or picking at one's clothing AURA: symptoms before the attack      Fear or anxiety      Nausea      Vertigo      Visual symptoms (such as flashing bright lights, spots, or wavy lines before the eyes)      Increased Appetite      Uneasiness in abdomen First Aid    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 paracetamol/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. DO NOT      DO NOT restrain the person.      DO NOT place anything between the person's teeth during a seizure (including your fingers).      DO NOT move the person unless he or she is in danger or near something hazardous.      DO NOT try to make the person stop convulsing. He or she has no control over the seizure and is not aware of what is happening at the time.      DO NOT give the person anything by mouth until the convulsions have stopped and the person is fully awake and alert. Reference: http://www.drmanoj.com/article.php?id=22