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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