Convulsions

Convulsions are a type of seizure that cause a person's body to shake rapidly and uncontrollably. They can occur as a result of a number of different medical conditions, including epilepsy, fever in children (also known as febrile seizures), and some genetic disorders.

Causes

Convulsions can be caused by a variety of different conditions. Some of the most common include:

• Epilepsy: This is a neurological disorder that can cause recurrent seizures. Convulsions are a common symptom of many types of epilepsy.
• Febrile seizures: These are convulsions that occur in children who have a high fever. They are usually harmless and do not indicate a long-term problem.
• Genetic disorders: Some genetic disorders can cause convulsions. These include Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Tuberous sclerosis.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a convulsion is rapid, uncontrollable shaking of the body. This can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion or disorientation after the convulsion
• Biting the tongue or inside of the mouth
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Treatment

Treatment for convulsions depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the convulsions are caused by epilepsy, treatment may involve antiepileptic drugs. If they are caused by a high fever in a child, treatment may involve lowering the child's temperature.

See also

• Seizure
• Epilepsy
• Febrile seizures
• Dravet syndrome
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Tuberous sclerosis

Convulsions Resources
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