This results in sudden, violent, and irregular movements of the body.
Once a cause has been diagnosed, the appropriate treatment can follow.
This article discusses the different types of convulsions, their symptoms, and their causes.
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It also explores how convulsions are diagnosed and treated.
Convulsions are a major symptom of some types of seizures.
Neurotoxic substances, including those produced in response to disease and certain drugs, also can cause convulsions.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Symptoms include severe shaking, stiffening, and, on occasion, sudden loss of consciousness.
Although frightening, a febrile seizure usually is harmless.
Some may be psychogenic (meaning they have psychological origins).
Brain injuries can also disrupt electrical activity and not be considered epilepsy if there is only one event.
Symptoms
It usually is obvious when someone is experiencing a convulsion.
Seizure vs. Convulsion
The wordsconvulsionandseizureoften are used interchangeably, but physiologically they are different events.
It is possible, for example, to have an epileptic seizure without convulsions.
It also is possible to have convulsions in the absence of epilepsy.
In other words, a convulsive episode is not a definitive indication of epilepsy.
It typically involves instruments like a penlight or reflex hammer and is not painful.
A drug toxicology report may also be ordered.
If epilepsy is suspected, the doctor will order a blood test that measures the amount of the hormoneprolactin.
This can help determine whether the convulsive episodes were due to epilepsy or another disorder.
An evaluation of the fluid in the lab can detect if there an infection is involved.
After that they can be diagnosed and treated accordingly, based on the underlying cause.
Hospitalization may be required.
What to Do if Someone Has a Convulsion
Most seizures are not emergencies.
If you witness a seizure, first ensure the person is not in harm’s way.
If there are sharp or hard objects around, for example, remove them.
Keep other people from crowding around.
Afterwards, help get them to a safe place and explain what happened.
confirm the person has a safe way to get home.
When Is it an Emergency?
This is why you should never ignore a convulsion, even if it is relatively mild.
If epilepsy is involved, early diagnosis can ensure you get the appropriate treatment to better prevent future episodes.
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