Convulsions

A major convulsion is the disturbance in electrical activity of the brain that leads to muscular spasm and loss of body control.

It may be seen in small children due to the high body temperature. In older individuals, epilepsy may be the cause. In theses cases, the patient has an aura before the convulsion. This is followed by a cry after which the patient has a convulsion. Whatever the underlying reason, the victim of convulsion has twitching movements of the body, face and limbs. There is upturning of eyes or the deviation of the eyes to one side. At times, the patient has only body stiffening. Froth appears at the mouth. There may be cyanosis and incontinence of urine and/or stools.

A patient who has convulsed requires proper management. The first-aid is of utmost importance in this case.

• Support the victim when he / she falls.
• Remove any objects from the vicinity and loosen the clothes around the neck.
• Do not put any thing in the victim's mouth.
• When convulsion stops, place person in recovery position.
• Give CPR if needed.
• In small children with febrile convulsions, the high fever is responsible for the convulsion. Hence attempts to bring down fever immediately with tepid sponging or paracetamol suppository (if available) are important.
• Reassure the relatives.
• If the convulsions continue, shift the patient to the hospital immediately.
• If the patient has repeated convulsions, the relatives should learn the skill of inserting diazepam per rectally for the control of the convulsion.