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Medical Specializations


Paediatrics => Epilepsy => Convulsion


Convulsion


Convulsion, series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles. The eyeballs frequently roll upwards or to one side during a convulsion; breathing appears laboured, and saliva oozes from the mouth. The teeth are usually tightly clenched, sometimes causing serious bites to the tongue and the cheeks.

Convulsions are a common symptom of epilepsy. They also occur in young children as a part of the reaction of the body to fever. Such convulsions, called febrile convulsions, usually last only a few minutes and are not dangerous. Other causes of convulsions are: viral infections; brain tumours or haemorrhages; toxaemias, such as uraemia, or lead or cocaine poisoning; chemical disorders, such as hypoglycaemia; and acute or chronic alcoholism. A doctor should be notified whenever a convulsion occurs. Until the arrival of a doctor, emergency treatment is directed towards protection of the victim from biting or other forms of self-injury. Anticonvulsant drugs include diazepam, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.

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