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CONVULSION

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in medicine, series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles. The eyeballs frequently roll upward or to one side during a convulsion; breathing appears labored, and saliva oozes from the mouth. The teeth usually are tightly clenched, sometimes causing serious bites to the tongue and the cheeks.

Convulsions are a common symptom of EPILEPSY, (q.v.). They also occur in young children as a part of the reaction of the body to infection. Such convulsions, called febrile convulsions, usually last only a few minutes and are not dangerous. Other causes of convulsions are virus infections; brain tumors or hemorrhages; toxemias, such as uremia or lead or cocaine poisoning; chemical disorders, such as hypoglycemia; and acute or chronic alcoholism. A doctor should be notified whenever a convulsion occurs. Until the arrival of a physician, emergency treatment is directed toward protection of the victim from biting or other forms of self-injury. Anticonvulsant drugs include diazepam, phenobarbitol, and phenytoin.

An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2006 World Almanac Education Group. A WRC Media Company. All rights reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by written agreement, uses of the work inconsistent with U.S. and applicable foreign copyright and related laws are prohibited.

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ENCYCLOPEDIA:

CONVULSION,

CONVULSION,. in medicine, series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles. The eyeballs frequently roll upward or to one side during a convulsion; breathing appears labored, and saliva oozes from the mouth. Convulsions are a common . . .

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ENCYCLOPEDIA: EPILEPSY,

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