Seizures cause uncontrollable shaking and muscle contractions, but are usually harmless. They can be caused by epilepsy, fever, brain injury or disease, alcohol or drug abuse, and more. During a seizure, those around the person should clear the area and ensure their safety. If the seizure lasts longer than 15 minutes or if there are multiple episodes, it is a medical emergency.
Seizures, also sometimes called convulsions, are a medical condition in which a person’s body appears to shake uncontrollably. When a person experiences them, their muscles contract rapidly and relax repeatedly. This is what causes the appearance of rapid shaking movements.
While seizures can be quite traumatic to witness, they are usually harmless to the person experiencing them. In most cases, they last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes, although much longer attacks can also occur. If they last for an extended period of time, usually defined as 15 minutes or more, they can be considered a medical emergency. The same is true if a person has several episodes in a row and does not seem to wake up between these episodes.
When a person experiences seizures, they may suddenly fall or experience uncontrollable muscle spasms. He or she may also start drooling or foaming at the mouth, start snorting and grunting, and stop breathing for a period of time. Other symptoms include a brief faint, feeling confused, unusual eye movements, loss of bowel or bladder control, and clenching of the teeth. The person may also behave in unusual ways, such as laughing for no reason, suddenly getting angry, or tearing their clothes.
There are several potential causes of seizures. Those who experience them repeatedly usually have epilepsy, a brain dysfunction that can often be controlled with appropriate medications. Children under the age of five may also experience seizures due to a rapidly rising fever. Children who have seizures due to fever typically don’t have long-term brain difficulties or other side effects.
Alcohol abuse or the use of illegal drugs can also lead to seizures, as well as brain injury or disease. Choking, general head trauma, electric shock, heart disease, stroke, and meningitis are all other possible causes of seizures. Pregnant women suffering from toxemia and poisoning can also experience them.
When a person experiences seizures, those around them should clear the area to avoid injury. It is best for the person to lie down in a safe area and have their head stuffed. All tight clothing, especially around the person’s neck, should be loosened. If the person vomits, they should be moved to one side to avoid inhaling the vomit into the lungs. The seizures should stop on their own, but if they don’t stop after five to 10 minutes, a witness should call 911.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
