Convulsions are involuntary contractions of groups of muscles often accompanied by loss of consciousness. Convulsions originate in the brain and may indicate damage to brain tissue, such as might result from injury, infections, or tumors. Convulsions may also occur during many illnesses. In young children, convulsions often accompany fever. Multiple convulsions of unknown causes occur in epilepsy.
Convulsions vary in form and degree. Sometimes the victim’s whole body becomes rigid. At other times, the victim’s body may twist and turn, and the muscles of the face, legs, and arms may twitch. In some types of epilepsy, only one limb, or even just a part of it, may be involved.
A person who has convulsions should be placed on his or her side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs. If the teeth are not tightly clenched, a handkerchief or another soft object may be placed between them to prevent injury to the tongue. A doctor should always be called for a patient with convulsions. Treatment depends on the cause.
See also Anticonvulsant; Epilepsy; First aid (Convulsion and epileptic seizure).
