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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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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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