Living With Convulsions Symptoms: How to Stay Safe and Healthy

Types of Convulsions

Convulsions can vary depending on how and where they begin in the brain. Common types include:

• Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizures: The whole body becomes stiff and starts shaking. The person may fall and lose awareness.
• Absence Seizures: Brief episodes of staring or blinking, usually lasting a few seconds.
• Myoclonic Seizures: Sudden jerks of the muscles, often in the arms or legs.
• Atonic Seizures (Drop Attacks): Sudden loss of muscle strength causing the person to fall down.
• Focal Seizures: Start in one part of the brain and may cause twitching in one part of the body.

Causes of Convulsions

Convulsions happen due to abnormal activity in the brain. Common causes include:

• High fever, especially in young children.
• Epilepsy is a condition that causes repeated seizures.
• Head injury from accidents or falls.
• Low blood sugar or other changes in body chemicals.
• Infections like meningitis or encephalitis.
• Drug or alcohol withdrawal after stopping use suddenly.
• Brain tumor or stroke in rare cases.

Conditions That Cause Convulsions

Some medical problems that can lead to convulsions include:

• Febrile seizures (fever-related)
• Kidney or liver failure
• Brain infections
• Genetic brain disorders
• Brain injuries from accidents

Symptoms of Convulsions

Here are common signs that someone may be having a convulsion:

• Sudden shaking of the arms or legs
• Body becomes stiff or jerky
• Unconsciousness or not responding
• Foaming or drooling from the mouth
• Eyes rolling upward or to one side.
• Loss of control over urination or stool
• Feeling confused, sleepy, or weak after the event

When to See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• The person has never had a seizure before
• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
• The person doesn’t wake up after the seizure.
• Injury happens during the convulsion.
• Multiple seizures occur one after another.
• The person is pregnant, diabetic, or sick.

Diagnosis of Convulsions

Doctors may use the following tests to find the cause of convulsions:

• EEG (Electroencephalogram): This test checks brain activity and helps diagnose epilepsy.
• MRI or CT scan: These images show if there are any problems in the brain like tumors or bleeding.
• Blood tests: These help check for infections, low sugar, or mineral imbalances.
• Medical history: The healthcare doctor will ask about past illnesses, injuries, and family history of seizures.

Treatment and Management of Convulsions

Treatment depends on the type and cause of the convulsion:

• Anti-seizure medications help prevent future episodes.
• Emergency treatment is needed for prolonged seizures.
• Tetanus shots may be given if a convulsion is caused by injury.
• Surgery might be considered for certain brain conditions.
• Lifestyle adjustments such as stress control and regular sleep are important.

Prevention of Convulsions

Not all convulsions can be prevented, but here are ways to reduce the risk:

• Take prescribed medicines regularly.
• Avoid known triggers like lack of sleep or flashing lights.
• Treat fevers early, especially in children.
• Stay away from alcohol or recreational drugs.
• Eat healthy and stay hydrated.

Lifestyle Changes for Convulsions

Managing daily life can help reduce convulsions:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
• Exercise moderately to stay fit and reduce stress.
• Eat balanced meals on time.
• Avoid stress and anxiety using relaxation methods like yoga or breathing exercises.
• Do not drive or swim alone if seizures are not controlled.

Home Remedies for Convulsions

Natural tips that may help:

• Turmeric milk may reduce inflammation and help the brain.
• Chamomile tea helps calm the nervous system.
• Magnesium-rich foods, like spinach, bananas, and almonds, may support brain function.
• Meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may cause lower seizure chances.
• Stay hydrated and avoid sudden changes in daily habits.