Convulsion, first aid

Alternative names:

seizure-first aid

Definition:

A seizure is a sudden, violent, contraction and relaxation of the muscles, usually caused by uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.

Considerations:

Most seizures last from 30 to two minutes.

When seizures recur, and there are no underlying causes that can be treated directly, a person is said to have epilepsy. Epilepsy is usually well controlled with medication.

There is nothing you can do to stop convulsions once they have started. All that can be done is to help protect the victim from injury and get medical help as needed.

If a small child has multiple seizures for the first time, assume they have swallowed poison and give appropriate first aid.

Try to time the duration of the seizures so the doctor will have a measurement of their severity.

Common causes:

• Epilepsy
• Alcohol use
• Barbiturates, intoxication or withdrawal
• Brain illness or injury
• Brain tumor (rare)
• Bhoking
• Drug abuse
• Electric shock
• Fever (particularly in young children)
• Head injury
• Heart disease
• Heat illness (see heat intolerance)
• High blood pressure
• Meningitis
• Poisoning
• Stroke
• Toxemia of pregnancy
• Uremia related to kidney failure
• Venomous bites and stings (see snake bite)
• Withdrawal from benzodiazepines (such as Valium)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial