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Seizures
Alternate Names : Convulsions
Definition A seizure or convulsion can be a sudden, violent, uncontrollable contraction of a group of muscles. A seizure can also be more subtle, consisting of only a brief "loss of contact" or a few moments of what appears to be daydreaming.
Overview & Considerations
Any mild or major seizure is caused by sudden abnormal function of the brain.
Some types of seizures are: Epilepsy (a disorder with chronic seizure) begins anywhere between the ages of 3 and 14 years, and continues indefinitely. It may be a familial condition. The most common cause of seizures in children are febrile seizures. Often, uncomplicated febrile seizures are benign.
When witnessing a seizure, try to remember what happened such as: - Did limbs twitch? If so, which ones and on which side.
- Did the head twist, neck go rigid, eyes turn or roll?
- Was there drooling or foaming at the mouth?
- Was there a chewing motion or smacking of the lips?
- Was there any change in consciousness?
- Did the victim bite the inside of the cheek, tongue or lips?
- Was there loss of bladder or bowel control?
If there was no twitching at all, just a sudden blanking out, as in a faint, then it may have been a faint if the victim recovered promptly after lying down. In an epileptic seizure, it usually takes minutes or hours to recover.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Seizures: Overview & Considerations
• Seizures: Common Causes
• Seizures: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Febrile Seizures
• Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure
• Partial (Focal) Seizure
• Petit Mal Seizure
• Primary Brain Tumor
• Temporal Lobe Seizure
Tests & Exams
• Blood Pressure
• Cranial CT Scan
• EEG
• Glucose Test
• Pulse
Other Topics
• Chronic
• Convulsions
• CPR
• Drooling
• Fever
• Head Injury
• Heat Emergencies
• Muscle Cramps
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Physical Examination
• Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
• Smell - Impaired
• Taste - Impaired
• Unconsciousness - First Aid
• Urinary Incontinence
• Vital Signs
Review Date : 2/7/2002
Reviewed By : Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial. (2/7/2002). Previous review: Galit Kleiner-Fisman MD, FRCP(C), Department of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.(7/30/2001).
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