Emergency care for convulsions. Tonic convulsions: what is it and what is the cause of the disease

Often people in life have to face the unpleasant phenomenon of convulsions. This implies uncontrolled muscle contractions (of individual muscles or groups), accompanied by pain. Painful manifestations are able to take by surprise when walking and in a dream, do not bypass involved in sports. They turn out to be a one-time reaction to an external factor or they are forced to suffer from the pain of the child and the adult regularly. If convulsive seizures recur repeatedly, convulsive syndrome is diagnosed. It is impossible to neglect the examination and treatment, regular recurrent convulsions indicate a serious illness.

Classification

Small children, adolescents, adults and old people are subject to convulsions. Children and the elderly suffer more often. This is due to immaturity. nervous system  and the brain in the former, the aging of the body systems, the development of multiple diseases in the latter.

The attacks manifest the uneven nature of muscle contractions, differ in duration, episodicity and developmental mechanism.

Prevalence

Depending on localization (a single muscle or muscle group is cramped), painful contractions are divided into:

  • Local (focal), reduces one muscle group;
  • Unilateral, covered muscles on one side of the body;
  • Generalized, involved the muscles of the whole body. Foam appears in the mouth, there is a loss of consciousness, involuntary urination occurs, breathing stops.

Duration of reduction

According to the duration and nature of contractions, the following types of seizures are distinguished:

  • Myoclonic. The type is characterized by brief muscle contractions (slight twitching) of the upper half of the body. Painless, myoclonic convulsions pass independently after a short period of time.
  • Clonic. These contractions, having a longer character, representing frequent (rhythmic) contractions of the muscles, are common and local. Often contribute to the emergence of stuttering.
  • Tonic. Show long character. Muscular tension, covering any part of the body, sometimes reduces the body completely. Able to capture airways. As a result of tonic seizures, the limb or body occupies a forced position. Often a person loses consciousness.
  • Tonic-clonic. Mixed type, in which the tonic convulsions that come first are replaced by clonic ones. If the clonic convulsion prevails over the tonic component, the abbreviations are called clonic-tonic.

The mechanism of origin and development



Spontaneous local seizures

A significant portion of the adult population is familiar painful reduction of the calf muscles. These predominantly tonic convulsions are not of a permanent nature, they are the result of overstressed muscles during long walking and running. Well known to people professionally involved in sports. Convulsive seizures occur in people who are forced to stand for a long time. Often there are convulsions when swimming, and reduces the limbs in open water and in the pool.

Often, leg contractions occur on the background of abundant fluid loss during heat, during sports, in the sauna. As a result, the blood thickens, the sodium level drops. Drink enough water to prevent bouts of dehydration.


Spontaneous convulsions are observed if you are in an uncomfortable position for a long time or when squeezing (for example, in a dream). To eliminate it is shown to change a pose. Wearing a high heel leads to occasional flattening of the legs. It is better to abandon shoes with high heels or wear it for a short time. Hypothermia - an indispensable cause of the appearance of such muscle spasms.

Attacks from surge occur in the hands. The spasms are called professional, are observed in typists, seamstresses, musicians.

These innocuous options do not require special treatment. If it reduces the leg (as they say about cramps), it is recommended to stand, leaning on a full foot, to stretch the contracted muscle with one hand while simultaneously unbending the second foot. To prevent seizures, massage the arms and legs, prevent the body from losing large amounts of fluid. If attacks occur regularly while walking, at night during sleep, there is no direct connection with the listed reasons, you should consult a doctor, the phenomenon can be a sign of a serious illness.

You can select the cause of the disease, which are characterized by feverish states - influenza, ARVI. At extremely high temperatures, febrile seizures may occur. Dangerous swelling of the brain. It is required to stop the convulsive attacks arising at a temperature quickly. Similar situation more characteristic of children due to age immaturity of the body. SARS can be hurt more than once every year; it is important to prevent the temperature from rising to high values ​​in order to avoid the recurrence of painful contractions. Even the first convulsions in a child (including those caused by ARVI) become an indication for going to a doctor. This will reveal the disease, immediately begin treatment.

Convulsive seizures as a consequence of the lack of trace elements and vitamins

Often convulsive seizures occur when there is a shortage of trace elements in the body: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, which are important for the proper functioning of the muscles.

Convulsive lower limb

Magnesium is lost easily by the body: with sweat, in stressful situations. Magnesium and calcium deficiency are expected with excessive use of alcohol, coffee and sweets. Often the cause of the lack of an element lies in diseases of the thyroid gland. Often there is a lack of calcium in pregnant women, causing leg cramps. Hypocalcemia causes spasmophilia, painful contractions become the main symptom of indisposition. Potassium and magnesium are actively washed out when taking diuretic and hormonal drugs, with diarrhea and vomiting (leading to dehydration).

With convulsions can be faced with prolonged fasting. Painful spasms (first fingers, then calf muscles, masticatory muscles) become a complication of medical fasting, appear by the end of the third week without food. The likelihood of occurrence increases with problems with the kidneys and liver, if repeated vomiting occurs, or an aversion to water develops. Spasms are caused by the loss of calcium, phosphorus, sodium chloride salts that occur during dehydration (due to vomiting, rapid weight loss). If the solution salt  It does not help to remove painful contractions, you will have to forget about fasting.

Lack of vitamin D increases the risk of seizures, an element necessary for the absorption of calcium and magnesium. Vitamins A, B, C, E affect the ability of muscles to contract. With repeated attacks, the presence of substances in the body is monitored. Sometimes to eliminate enough to fill the lack of vitamins.

Often prescribed magnesium preparations. Magnesia (magnesium sulphate or magnesium sulphate) has proven itself well. Indications for use of the drug are considered to be a shortage of magnesium, convulsions (against such manifestations magnesia is used during pregnancy), epilepsy. For the anticonvulsant effect, magnesia is injected intramuscularly (it works after an hour and up to 4 hours) or intravenously (it acts instantly, but not for long).

Cramps as disease symptoms

Convulsive attacks of diverse types are recognized as symptoms of a number of diseases. Observed with diabetes, spasmophilia, varicose veins, tetanus and other diseases.




Seizures accompany other diseases and conditions of the human body. High pressure  causes a convulsive hypertensive crisis, leads to bleeding in the brain. Hypertension needs to be controlled with well-chosen drugs. Magnesia is used to relieve pressure and crisis, as in diabetes mellitus - only as prescribed by a doctor. Oncological diseases  often manifest convulsive phenomena.

"Female" convulsions

Often women throughout life (since puberty) experience painful tonic spasms in the legs and abdomen. First, menstrual painful contractions occur. Appear 1-2 days before the beginning of menstruation, able to persist for several days. Pain in the lower abdomen (dull and aching, or acute and severe) is associated with contractions of the uterus, getting rid of the membrane, if fertilization has not occurred. A common type of convulsive seizures during menstruation is described.

Often pain sensations  during menstruation spread to the legs. A woman experiences cramps, aching pain and other unpleasant symptoms  before the onset of menstruation. Manifestations are associated with hormonal changes, are considered a variant of the norm, if they do not last long. Moreover, severe stress, early puberty, age less than twenty years increase the risk of painful contractions during menstruation. As a rule, after pregnancy and childbirth, convulsions and pain experienced during menstruation, stop or significantly weaken. Keep in mind that the abdomen and legs in the period of menstruation can hurt due to diseases of the reproductive system, blood supply deficiencies exacerbated at this time. If convulsive seizures during menstruation are too frequent, the pain is intense, it is better to consult a doctor to rule out inflammatory processes.


Additional type of "female" convulsions - with menopause. Spasms are associated with calcium deficiency caused by a decrease in the production of the hormone estrogen. With menopause, hypothermia occurs more quickly, contributing to the appearance of seizures. During this period, increased sensitivity to irritating factors. Should pay special attention to health.

Convulsions during menopause indicate the onset of osteoporosis. In the complex treatment prescribed for menopause, calcium and vitamin D preparations are necessarily present. Sometimes magnesia is used as a sedative. Pay attention to feasible sports (it is useful to swim in the pool or stay on the Scandinavian walking).

Main points

Cramps - a common phenomenon that can cover any part of the body. The reasons for the emergence of a lot, to understand the sources sometimes difficult. Consider the important points:

  • Distinguished types of seizures. The division into species is carried out according to several criteria: duration, nature, prevalence. Certain types of painful contractions are usually characteristic of certain diseases and conditions of the body.
  • The immediate cause of involuntary muscle contraction are metabolic disorders in the muscles, an imbalance of stimulating and relaxing signals in the muscles. Violations are due to the lack of trace elements and vitamins that play an important role in the proper functioning of the muscles (primarily magnesium, calcium and vitamin D), a recognized consequence of systemic diseases, malnutrition and lifestyle. On the other hand, a deficiency of substances leads to illnesses with symptoms of cramps.

  • If there is no obvious reason for contractions (too much or a long load on the muscles, which reduces, prolonged staying in a static position, hypothermia), consult a professional. In other cases, seizures - a sign of the disease requiring mandatory treatment. Spasms occur in diabetes mellitus, tetanus, spasmophilia not sparing children, and hysterical neurosis not always recognized as close to a real disease. They become manifestations of terrible diseases: cancer, severe damage to the central nervous system. Even ARVI can cause cramps at a temperature that relies on them to be removed faster. Muscle cramps during medical fasting, which cannot be managed - reason to interrupt the procedure.
  • Spasms are considered the result of natural states of the body. For example, not uncommon with menstruation and menopause.
  • There is no universal medicine used for convulsive seizures of any origin. Treatment of the symptom depends on the cause and the presence of other diseases. In frequent cases, magnesia helps, but under reduced pressure the drug cannot be used. Avoid self-medicating with drugs  and folk methods  without consulting a doctor.
  • The main thing is cramps - a symptom. It is required, first of all, to treat the disease. With successful treatment, the symptoms will go away.

Many people have experienced involuntary muscle contraction, which suddenly appear and pass quickly. This condition is extremely rare in most people, but in some convulsive seizures often occur and last longer. Such pathological conditions require.

There are several types of seizures, most often diagnosed clonic and tonic. Both types are characterized by involuntary muscle contraction, as well as seizures, however, there is a difference between them.

There are convulsions due to negative effects. various factors, the main cause is disruption of the body. Despite the fact that convulsive movements are common, they mainly affect only a few muscle groups.

Tonic: a short-term muscle contraction occurs during an attack. Spasms occur slowly. Provoked muscle tension.

Clonic: characterized by periodicity of contraction and relaxation of muscles. Independently distinguish convulsions is easy. Cause twitching of the body part.

Spasms may be localized in different parts of the body. It is by these characteristics that seizures are classified.

General Symptom Characteristics

Tonic convulsions are observed more often in the upper and lower limbs, but can also affect the torso, face and neck. In rare cases, a spasm of the airways occurs. During the attack, the patient's arms and legs are unbent. The head is tilted back, the teeth are clenched, the body is pulled out, all muscles are tense. With a tonic seizure, a person may lose consciousness.

When conic cramps muscles contract rhythmically. Limbs bent, flexing. Smooth muscle twitching is observed. There may be spasm of only certain parts of the body. One of the symptoms is stuttering due to muscle spasms of the respiratory organs.

It is not difficult to distinguish symptoms of the type of convulsive attack, but depending on the characteristic signs, it is possible to determine the cause of the pathological condition that affects the treatment methods.

Causes and effects of seizures

There are muscle cramps in violation of the functionality of the central nervous system. Seizures can occur in children and adults. The most frequent are chronic diseases that lead to the pathological work of the nervous system, but the occurrence of convulsive seizures and as a result of external influence is possible.


Causes of seizures are as follows:

  • neurological diseases (epilepsy, neuroinfection, stroke, hypertensive crisis, etc.)
  • infectious diseases (fever, tetanus or rabies)
  • toxic processes (adrenal and hepatic failure, overdose of drugs to reduce sugar, hypoglycemic coma or poisoning)
  • hysterical state (stress, nervous excitement, etc.)

Depending on the location of the contraction of the muscles, there may be different consequences. The risk of death is not excluded if spasms affect the muscles of the heart and lungs. After a convulsive seizure may occur:

  • spinal fracture (if the patient sharply arched his back)
  • swelling (with impaired breathing)
  • cardiac arrest (heart muscle spasm)
  • muscle break (sudden movements)
  •   or hemorrhage in the brain (circulatory disorders)
  • injuries (when hitting the floor or other hard surface)

Excess of potassium and lactic acid in the blood is often diagnosed, which leads to a failure of the heart rhythm. Due to the excess lactate resulting from incomplete glucose oxidation, pain is felt in the muscles after an attack.

First aid for tonic or clonic convulsions

When tonic or clonic convulsions is very important to properly render. the main thing is to recognize the type of convulsive attack and quickly figure out what kind of help the patient needs. Without help, a person may die or be seriously injured. But to provide first aid is necessary in strict sequence.

It is advisable to stop cramps before the arrival of an ambulance. The effects on this stage are considered the beginning of the treatment of the disease, since the risks of complications are very high.

First of all, as soon as the patient has a seizure, you should call an ambulance, and, before her arrival, try to relieve the condition of the person on your own and reduce the intensity of the spasms.

Need to act in a certain sequence. Experts recommend to provide first aid as follows.

  1. The victim is placed on a soft surface. It is advisable to lay a blanket on the floor so that the person does not hit his head or other parts of the body during an attack.
  2. Relief of breathing. The victim is removed or unzipped clothing that can hamper breathing.
  3. A small piece of cloth (towel, handkerchief, etc.) is placed in the mouth. They do this so that the person does not break his teeth or bite his tongue.
  4. The head (whole body) of the patient turns to the side, thus preventing choking when possible allocation  vomit.

Before the arrival of the ambulance brigade should always be with the patient. Monitor his condition and, if necessary, react quickly to help him. In a convulsive seizure, a person cannot help himself.

Treatment of cramps


Tonic and clonic convulsions are treated. But in order for a specialist to decide on the treatment scheme, the patient must undergo a preliminary one. Muscle contraction is a symptom of serious diseases, not an independent pathology. The treatment is prescribed for the reasons that provoke the pathological condition of the person. Therefore, the treatment regimen is determined individually.

After receipt of the victim. In some cases, to stop an attack is not required (for example, in infectious diseases or fever). With the development chronic diseases  or severe seizures are prescribed drugs that stabilize the patient's condition.

  1. Medications for sedation: Trioxazin, Seduxen, and Andaksin.
  2. Preparations for intravenous: Sodium oxybutyrate, Droperidol, etc.

After some time, after the elimination of the attack, the patient must undergo treatment, which consists in eliminating the pathology that is the cause of the seizures.


  Tonic and clonic convulsions occur on the background various injuries  or diseases. The most important thing in attacks of muscle contraction is first aid. After the first attack, it is worthwhile to undertake, which consist in taking drugs and providing a complete treatment of the pathology. To prevent constant attacks, it is necessary and properly to eat.

All necessary will give the attending physician. Subject to the instructions to get rid of convulsive seizures possible. However, if you do not turn to specialists, the result of the next attack can be fatal.

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Jun 14, 2016 Violetta Lekar

Cramps are muscle contractions that cause aching and sharp pain. Actually convulsions - the process of muscle contraction, occurring involuntarily. Accompanied by pain and a series of recurring seizures for a short time. often occur in children, are found in representatives of any age.

Causes of tonic and clonic leg cramps

It is recommended to consult a doctor about determining the cause. The doctor will conduct an examination, as a result of the diagnosis, an exact one will be revealed. Children are more sensitive, mainly at an early age, when detecting the corresponding symptoms, it is necessary to provide timely assistance and consult a doctor.

The mixed, or tonic-clonic, type of convulsions is known. There are convulsions on the basis of violations of the central nervous system. These two types of seizures are accompanied by epileptic seizures, distinguished by their characteristics.

Spasms appear as a result of all kinds of harmful effects on the body. Impacts and cause muscle contraction. If contractions occur in a short period of time, paroxysmal view  called tonic convulsions.

In the case of clonic-type cramps, muscles spasm involuntarily, presenting smooth muscle contractions, in contrast to tonic muscles, which occur more sharply. Tonic convulsions  usually spread to the hands and other areas of the body, including the legs, face. In such states, the patient has a loss of consciousness.

When giving first aid, one should not allow the tongue to fall on the palate. The patient is able to choke on foam, which becomes dangerous for his condition. It is even likely to be fatal.

Convulsive syndromes in children. Tonic and clonic convulsions in childhood

Pathology, manifested in convulsive states, occurs in 2-3% of children. In a child, seizures are more active due to the lack of formation of the child’s body, the immature state of the cerebral cortex. Brain edema becomes the cause of the manifestation, the tendency of the child's body to defeat is higher than in adults.

The causes of the appearance of convulsive states in children depend on the age, peculiar types of spasms are characteristic of each age category. children often arise in connection with asphyxia, hemorrhage of the brain and other causes. Among the causes are the high permeability of blood vessels and the hydrophilicity of the brain.


If children were found to have an imbalance in the body’s water or an overdose of drugs, it is possible that these facts may be included in the causes of convulsive states.
There are a number of reasons for the occurrence of convulsive states in children:

  • Seizures due to injuries and various infectious diseases, epileptic and encephalitic reactions.
  • Syndrome of epilepsy on the background of the inflammatory process.
  • Attacks of epilepsy occurring against the background of disorders of the central nervous system.

The intensity of seizures, the time of their course depends on the strength of the expression of an epileptic seizure. Asphyxia is characterized by a lack of oxygen in the blood and tissues. Carbon dioxide accumulates there, respiratory and metabolic acidosis develops. There is a violation of blood circulation, increased vascular permeability. Intracranial disorders are considered the main symptom of seizures in children.

Convulsive syndrome is inevitable when it comes to dehydration and lack of water balance in the body of a child. Convulsive syndrome manifests itself as a result of brain dysfunction, leading to intracranial disorders, swelling of the brain and neuroinfections.


Symptoms of convulsive states in children

A wide variety of clinical manifestations of convulsive syndromes in a child has been described. Distinguish convulsive state in time duration, forms of manifestation. Clonic and tonic contractions are the most common types, most often found in children.

Symptoms of clonic convulsions:

  • Muscle twitching on the face, passing on to other parts of the body and limbs.
  • Noisy hoarse breath  and the appearance of foam from the mouth and lips.
  • Pallor of the skin.
  • Disorders of the heart.

Clonic seizures are long in duration. In selected cases, can lead to death. If you find an appropriate disease, you should immediately consult a doctor, be able to properly provide first aid, following the steps, not violating them.

Tonic convulsions in a child - prolonged muscle contractions, characterized by a slow onset and a sharp manifestation.

For clonic disorders, situations are possible:

  • Loss of contact of the child with the environment.
  • Muddy and floating look.
  • The head is thrown back, the arms are bent in the hands and elbows, the legs are elongated, the jaws are tight.
  • Slow breathing and pulse.
  • The child is able to bite the tongue.

The described phase of the convulsive state is considered tonic-clonic, lasts no more than a minute. Convulsive seizure does not occur spontaneously, depends on the cause, directly affecting its development. If convulsive states arise because of brain injuries, they are considered tonic-clonic type.

Convulsive state in most patients have a general character: there is foam in the mouth, almost always the patient loses consciousness. The syndrome of convulsions in children, beginning from the age of three, is clearly manifested. In children early age  manifestations of a tonic nature, of a clonic type, develop - they come already in more adult periods.

Focal seizures - a type of seizures, is characteristic of older children. Separate forms of such states are combined into status ones, leading to extremely grave consequences. The disease is unstable, the patient has painful convulsions. In some cases, these forms of seizures lead to paralysis or death. A sick child is required to immediately provide the necessary treatment, a young, sensitive organism perceives diseases faster than a formed adult. A child's body is often unable to cope on its own with a number of diseases, with a weak immune system, not always able to protect against the disease.

A well-known form of children's febrile seizures occurs in children from an early age. Spasms are observed in a child from several months to five years. Febrile seizures are divided into certain types - they distinguish typical and atypical forms of contractions. There are simple and complex.

Difficult cramps, or atypical, occur up to 15 minutes, accompanied by temperatures up to 39 degrees. Simple spasms are accompanied by short attacks, the body temperature is not below 39 degrees. Complicated forms of febrile seizures can last for a day, it is indicated to immediately consult a doctor. It is forbidden to leave a sick child in a similar condition. Identify the causes of convulsive states in a child is not difficult.

How to help children with convulsive states

When convulsive symptoms help children required to provide in several ways.

  • Be sure to support the main important functions of the body.
  • To conduct anticonvulsant therapy.

In convulsive states of any level, make sure that your child is in a free state of the respiratory tract. It is desirable to maintain the blood circulation process in a stable condition. In the event of a violation or complication, timely therapy is required.

If the prescribed medications do not work, phenobarbital is prescribed as an additional treatment. Convulsions accompanied by seizures of epilepsy sometimes lead to serious complications. Spasms emit different forms - from relatively light and short-term to severe, long.

Appearing unexpectedly, as an attack, and continuing most often not for long. But there are people who have this phenomenon become regular, lasts a long time and delivers a lot of problems, affecting the performance, and even personal life. From what there are convulsions, how they are classified and what means will help to fight them, we will describe further in the article.

How are seizures classified?

Depending on the nature of involuntary muscle contractions, they are divided into clonic, tonic and clonic-tonic. Tonic - this reduction, forcing the limb to solidify in the position of flexion or extension. And clonic convulsions are characterized by a rapid change in muscle contraction and relaxation, leading to stereotypical movements (twitches) with different amplitudes. Accordingly, clonic-tonic - phase changes of clonic and tonic contractions.

Depending on the prevalence of convulsive manifestations, they are divided:

1) localized (one muscle or a group of them) - arising from focal stimulation of the motor parts of the cerebral cortex that innervate any limb, face, etc .;

2) generalized (convulsions of the whole body) - they capture all the muscles at once, as a rule, are accompanied by a loss of consciousness and may turn out to be the final stage of convulsive activity of any type.

Depending on the etiology of seizures, muscle contractions may be uneven in shape, course and frequency. The features of the state after the attack and the data are also different. laboratory research.

Causes of cramps

From which there are convulsions, to establish in some cases is not so easy, because the cause of their occurrence may be poisoning, disorders of the nervous system, metabolism, activity of the cardiovascular system, brain or endocrine glands. In some patients, involuntary muscle contractions are caused or intensified by the action of external stimuli, for example, from unexpected loud sound, needle prick, bright flashing light, etc. or with deep breathing and staying in a stuffy room.

The same convulsions may occur when different diseases  and turn out to be symptoms of serious pathologies. Therefore, when they occur, an urgent need to consult a doctor.

Seizures in a child: causes

In children, muscle contractions described occur more frequently than in adults. This is explained by the imperfection of the nervous system of the child and the characteristics of the structure of the brain: its cells are easily excited, and the processes of inhibition while still unstable and immature.

Asphyxia of the newborn, birth trauma, the presence of diabetes in a nursing mother, encephalopathy, and infectious diseases of the nervous system can provoke in children.

But the reasons that caused the convulsions in the child do not necessarily turn out to be pathologies of the nervous system or the brain. This may be a lack of calcium in the body or muscle problems. Often in children, these attacks are caused high fever, a reaction to vaccination (most often we are talking about DTP) or emotional and mental disorders.

Features of seizure activity in epilepsy

But the main disease, which is remembered in the first place, speaking of the convulsive syndrome, is epilepsy. The cause of any form of seizures in this disease is the anomalous, very high activity of electrical impulses between the neurons of the brain.

Epilepsy is most often accompanied by generalized clonic-tonic convulsions. Their onset of the patient usually anticipates with the help of the so-called aura - the state before the attack. It is characterized by a heightened perception of sounds, smells, a sense of fear, anxiety, an unusual taste in the mouth.

After that, as a rule, the patient loses consciousness, sometimes managing to make a rather loud cry or a sound like a howl. After that, in all its muscles, the strongest tonic tension appears, the jaws shrink, breathing becomes very difficult, the face turns blue and convulsive jerking begins. At the same time, foam appears on the patient's lips, and involuntary urination may occur.

After some time, breathing is restored, the face takes on a normal color, convulsive jolts become more and more rare and gradually pass. Such an attack lasts no more than 3 minutes. After the cessation of seizures, the twilight state of consciousness is possible. After which, as a rule, sleep occurs. Waking up, the patient does not remember anything.

Convulsions resulting from metabolic disorders

But tonic convulsions can also be provoked by other conditions in which a toxic effect is exerted on the brain. For example, an increase in temperature, a decrease in the amount of calcium ions in the blood, a drop in the level of sugar in it, an insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain.

Convulsions at high temperatures are caused by loss of fluid and electrolytes (in the form of sodium chloride) due to excessive sweating and insufficient drinking. And the amount of calcium in the blood can decrease as a result of the removal and it manifests itself by cramps in (in the calves) or hands. By the way, its level is also reduced due to a violation of the absorption of this substance in the intestine caused by kidney disease.

A common cause of seizures is intoxication due to poisoning with caffeine, salts of oxalic acid, morphine, cocaine, fluorine, atropine, and mushrooms.

What to do with leg cramps?

Of course, if you have regular tonic convulsions, then it is imperative to consult a doctor to conduct a full examination and find out their causes. Short-term spasms can also be tried on their own.

So, if this unpleasant phenomenon bothers your lower limbs, you need:

  • pull the toe of the straightened leg toward you;
  • put your feet on the cold floor and walk barefoot;
  • rub the foot with a warming ointment;
  • make self-massage of the foot - from the fingers to the heel, or the calf - from the heel up to the knee;
  • if there are no contraindications, take Aspirin tablets (they will improve the blood circulation in the legs).

In this case, home remedy for seizures will help. It is made from 2 tsp. mustard and 1 tsp. olive oil. This gruel smears the affected muscles, and relief comes almost immediately.

Cramps in the hands - a problem that can be dealt with

Hand cramps can be attributed to professional health problems, as office workers who spend a lot of time at the computer, musicians, tailors, athletes, etc., often suffer from them. But doctors call for other reasons that can cause them:

  • stress,
  • blood supply disorders upper limbs  as a result of osteochondrosis or problems with the cardiovascular system,
  • hypothermia
  • food poisoning or alcohol,
  • as well as coffee addiction.

Hand cramps, as a rule, bother you in one hand, so if they appear healthy, massage the spasmed arm. Rub your fingers, starting from the base, squeeze and open your fist, vigorously rotate with a brush, strain and relax your fingers.

Those who appear periodically, doctors advise to drink chamomile or lime tea, which can relax them, or for 2 weeks twice a day to wipe the places prone to cramps with lemon juice. If the problem began to occur too often, you should contact a specialist to find out the true causes of the problem and select medicines.


What are dangerous convulsive muscle contractions?

As can be seen from the above, both clonic and tonic convulsions can be associated with serious problems in the functioning of the brain or endocrine disorders. In addition, during these spasms in the brain, an enormous lack of oxygen is formed, which, of course, cannot but affect the metabolic processes. In children, intellect suffers from this, personal changes occur, physical development is detected. No less dangerous is the condition for adults.

In severe cases, seizures can be the cause of the cessation of breathing and even the death of the patient. Therefore, they should not be left without attention or trying to get rid of themselves, this condition requires accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Muscle cramps: treatment

Treating seizures involves dealing with the underlying cause that caused them. So, with their neurogenic nature, drugs are used to eliminate the vegetative dysfunction - sedative, tranquilizing, and vegetotropic action (“Mezapam”, “Bellaterinal”, “Sibazon”, etc.). In the case of a hysterical form of convulsive seizure, psychotherapy sessions are held and remedies are used to eliminate anxiety (Frenolon, Fenazepam, etc.) or a state of depression (Aminotriptyline, Azafen, etc.).

In case of epilepsy, the patient is prescribed for the continuous use of a pill for seizures that increases the content of inhibition mediators: Finlepsin, Carbamazepine, Benzonal, etc., as well as dehydration drugs (Furasemide).

Local seizures are also treated by acting on the underlying problems - the elimination of muscle hypertonus sites using novocainic blockades and physiotherapy.

Recurrent tonic convulsions - this is a symptom that requires mandatory treatment to the doctor, and to which one, try to determine for yourself.

  • If you have a history of atherosclerosis, osteochondrosis, and similar diseases, consult a neurologist.
  • If there are legs (varicose veins, then a vascular surgeon or phlebologist should help you.
  • Donate blood to electrolytes and sugar, this will help eliminate the metabolic causes for muscle spasms.
  • And if there are no obvious reasons, contact an endocrinologist or a neurologist for examination.

By the nature of muscle contraction. Cramps are classified into clonic and tonic. Clonic convulsions are characterized by short-term contractions and relaxation of individual muscle groups, quickly following each other, which leads to stereotypical fast movements with different amplitudes. Tonic Cramps are longer (up to 3, sometimes more than minutes) muscle contractions, which result in a solidification of the trunk and extremities in various forced postures. Variety Cramps occurring in clinical practice does not fit into this classification. There are many forms of convulsions of a mixed nature: when the tonic component prevails in the muscular contraction, convulsions are defined as tonic-clonic, and when expressed, the clonic component is considered as clonic-tonic.

Clonic convulsions usually occur when the cells of the cerebral cortex are over-excited, especially in the motor section. For this type of convulsions, their somatotopic spread is typical for muscles and muscle groups according to the location of the motor cortical centers in the anterior central gyrus. For example, starting with the muscles of the face, the clonic convulsions seize successively the muscles of the fingers, hands, forearms, shoulders, and legs (the so-called cortical epilepsy). Tonic Spasms occur, as a rule, when excessive stimulation of the subcortical structures of the brain.

Depending on the prevalence, convulsions are divided into localized in one muscle or muscle group and generalized, exciting many muscles. Generalized convulsions may be the final stage of convulsive paroxysm of any type.

Somatic diseases that lead to impaired cerebral blood circulation and hypoxia of the brain tissue can also be accompanied by the development of Seizures. Often Seizures are observed in heart defects and pathology of the great vessels, blood diseases (leukemia, blood coagulation disorders, hemorrhagic vasculitis), collagen diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus periarteritis nodosa, rheumatism). Convulsions caused by impaired metabolism in the brain tissue and associated with endogenous intoxication, develop with hypoglycemic coma, hepatic coma (see the full body of knowledge). In these conditions, cramps are usually generalized tonic-clonic.

Convulsions in eclampsia (see the full body of knowledge) of pregnant women are symmetrical and cover the muscles of the face, trunk, limbs, and may be accompanied by a short-term loss of consciousness. In cases where acute disorders of cerebral circulation occur during eclampsia, large convulsive seizures sometimes develop. Uremic coma (see full body of knowledge) is characterized by disorderly, asymmetrical contractions of individual muscles or muscle fibers (muscle fibrillation). Sometimes these Cramps go into generalized clonic-tonic seizures. Cramps in burn shock (see a complete body of knowledge) are usually tonic or tonic-clonic in nature and usually develop in patients with deep burns that take from 5 to 40% of the body surface.

Various exogenous intoxications can lead to the development of convulsions (see the full body of knowledge: intoxication). For example, carbon monoxide poisoning, accompanied by a comatose state, can cause tonic convulsions such as decerebration rigidity, trisism; alcohol intoxication can manifest itself as generalized convulsive seizures that often occur in the debut of delirium tremens. This group also includes tetanus convulsions (see the complete body of knowledge).

Sometimes Seizures occur in patients suffering from neurosis with increased excitability of the nervous system. However, Convulsions, defined as hysterical, always require a special comprehensive study, since the basis of Convulsions, treated as functional, often lies hidden flowing organic lesions of the nervous system.

Causes Convulsions in the neonatal period can be perinatal asphyxia, intracranial birth hemorrhages, brain developmental defects, neuroinfection, metabolic disorders (acidosis, hypocalcemia, alkalosis, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperbilirubinemia, vitamin B deficiency). Convulsions in newborns are often the first clinical manifestations of hereditary diseases — neurolipidosis (see the full body of knowledge: Lipidoza), encephalotrigeneral angiomatosis (see the full body of knowledge), tuberous sclerosis (see the full body of knowledge), familial acidosis (see the full body of knowledge) and others. Convulsions in infancy, as well as in the neonatal period, can be organic lesions of the nervous system, neuroinfection, brain developmental defects. Seizures are observed in almost half of the patients with cerebral palsy (see the full body of knowledge: Child paralyzes). Convulsions in hereditary diseases such as phenylketonuria (see the full body of knowledge), decarboxylase deficiency (see the full body of knowledge), leukodystrophy (see the full body of knowledge), phacomatosis (see the full body of knowledge) occur more often in infancy with severe delay. psychomotor development and much less often are the first sign of the disease. Seizures may be associated with prophylactic vaccinations (post-vaccination convulsive syndrome).

The cause of the development of Seizures in young children may be congenital heart disease. The severity of convulsive seizures and their frequency depend on the nature of the heart lesion, the severity of common hemodynamic disorders. Older children may experience convulsive seizures due to cardiac arrhythmias.

Children who have a closed craniocerebral injury may experience convulsions due to chronic intracranial hematoma, as well as traumatic epilepsy, characterized by a progressive course with a gradual formation of epileptic personality changes (see the full body of knowledge: Epilepsy).

The pathogenesis of convulsions is complex. Due to the different mechanisms of development of convulsive paroxysms, there is a convulsive reaction, convulsive syndrome and epileptic disease (see the full body of knowledge: Epilepsy).

Convulsive reaction occurs in response to extreme irritations for the organism caused by infection, intoxication, overwork, staying in a stuffy room (hypoxia) and others. Convulsive reaction can develop in any healthy person, but it is easier with increased convulsive readiness. The degree of convulsive readiness is variable and undergoes individual changes depending on the circadian rhythms, under the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors. The level of convulsive readiness also depends on the degree of maturity of the nervous system, its age and genetic features. In childhood cramps occur 4-5 times more often than in adults. Incomplete differentiation of the child’s brain and, as a result, the physiological hypersynchronization of the cells leads to the frequent occurrence of convulsive seizures in children under the influence of minor exogenous or endogenous influences. An example of a convulsive reaction are hyperthermic convulsions, which are most often observed in children under the age of three, during a period of increased convulsive readiness. The older the person, the stronger the effect that can cause Seizures. An example of a convulsive reaction in adults is Seizures with insulin shock, poisoning with tetraethyl lead, carbon monoxide, with massive alcohol intoxication and others.

Paroxysms are episodic in the convulsive reaction (see the full body of knowledge).

Convulsive syndrome develops, as a rule, with actively ongoing pathological processes in the nervous system. In its occurrence, the acquired decrease in the threshold of convulsive readiness of the brain is of primary importance, while the role of exogenous factors in the development of seizures is somewhat lower. For convulsive syndrome is characterized by repeatability of paroxysms. Convulsive readiness is physiologically characterized by all signs of a dominant and represents an extreme degree of central arousal that goes beyond the normal range. Its pathophysiological symptom is a change in the electrical activity of the cortex and subcortical structures, consisting in synchronization and hyper-synchronization of theta rhythm, the presence of paroxysms of convulsive potentials in the structures of the limbic system (see the full body of knowledge), slowing down of synchronized rhythm in the meso-encephalic reticular formation (see the full body of knowledge) intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus, caudate nucleus and in the cerebral cortex (epileptiform activity). At the same time, both background and induced activity of individual neurons changes. Early and distinct changes in biopotentials are recorded in the hippocampus, which has a high excitability, an abundance of bilateral ties, which provides a large influx of afferent impulses to it. The amygdala and the structures of the medial thalamus are also referred to structures with a low convulsive threshold (see the full body of knowledge). For development against the background of convulsive readiness of convulsive paroxysm, an additional influx of afferent impulses to the center of increased excitability (primary focus) is required, as a result of which a pathological dominant is formed. Paroxysm Spasms can occur with irritation of any part of the central nervous system, subject to increased excitability of brain structures outside the focus and, above all, increased excitability of the cerebral cortex. In experimental electrophysiological studies, it was shown that during stimulation of the cerebral cortex, the evoked potentials at the height of the convulsive state are recorded not only in the projection zones, but also in its other areas. Irritation, which in a normal animal causes the appearance of a normal complex of evoked potential, after the introduction of a subliminal convulsive dose of camphor, leads to the appearance of group discharges, turning into generalized epileptiform activity, and further development of seizures. At the same time, the excitability of the motor cortex increases 3-4 times compared with the norm. The degree of synchronization of biopotentials in different structures of the brain reflects the severity and spatial distribution of convulsive readiness. The shift of the wave spectrum towards low-amplitude synchronized oscillations on the EEG is observed long before the onset of convulsive paroxysm and may indicate its future character (local, general). The spread of excitation from the focus of increased activity occurs not only on the surface of the cerebral cortex, but largely on the reticular structures of the trunk. In convulsive syndrome, prolonged irritation of limited areas of the cerebral cortex leads to the gradual formation in the subcortical regions of independent foci of arousal of a congestive nature, which can be active even after cessation of irritation of the cortex, regardless of the primary focus. The focus of excitation in subcortical structures, in turn, causes generalized excitation of the cerebral cortex (the so-called recurrent generalization of arousal). An important role in the generalization of excitation belongs to the rostral division of the reticular formation - the midbrain and hippocampus. Changes in the functional state of the mesodiencephalic reticular formation dramatically affects the level of seizure activity. At present, it has been shown that weak irritation of the reticular structures contributes to the formation of a congestive focus of excitation in the hippocampus and facilitates the creation of convulsive readiness and the appearance of Seizures. It is noted that severe irritation inhibits the paroxysmal activity of the hippocampus and leads to a significant decrease in convulsive readiness. It was also established that a high functional tonus of the cerebral cortex leads to a decrease in convulsive readiness, and the main role in this process belongs to the frontal regions of the hemispheres of the brain. When intracellular recording of the activity of neurons in the pathological convulsive focus, significant changes in the membrane potential (in the direction of its depolarization) and an increase in synaptic excitation are established. Depolarization shifts occur in somadendritic areas of a neuron that have a postsynaptic membrane. They are the result of the summation of excessively enhanced depolarizing postsynaptic potentials. Convulsions of various origins have a significant effect on the metabolism of cellular protein, causing an increase in its breakdown while simultaneously inhibiting synthesis. At the same time, a decrease in RNA content in the brain tissue, damage to mitochondria, impaired oxidative phosphorylation processes (see the full body of knowledge) are noted.

Convulsions during epilepsy (see the full body of knowledge) often occur on the background of a hereditary increase in convulsive readiness of the brain. Attacks Seizures usually occur without any noticeable provoking factors.

In many cases, especially in early childhood, the differentiation of epilepsy, convulsive syndrome and convulsive reaction presents difficulties, since the boundaries of these states are conditional. For example, a convulsive reaction in children can sometimes be an early manifestation of epilepsy, and a convulsive syndrome under the influence of prolonged exposure to an exogenous factor and secondary disturbances in the metabolism of the brain and cerebral circulation can transform into epilepsy.

In clinical practice, along with the pathogenetic classification of convulsive states, Seizures are divided according to the characteristics of muscle contraction (clonic and tonic), their frequency, the violation of the biochemical constants of the body, the level of damage to the nervous system, the prevalence (local, generalized).

Depending on the frequency of occurrence Seizures are divided into episodic and permanent. The latter, in turn, are characterized as periodic (serial) and convulsive status.

Seizures resulting from biochemical disorders are divided into hypocalcemic (see the full body of knowledge: tetany), hypoglycemic, hyperbilirubinemic, pyridoxine-dependent, hypomagnesiemic (see the full body of knowledge: spasmophilia) and others.

The level of damage to the nervous system conditionally distinguish: clonic convulsions of cortical origin; persistent arrhythmic clonic convulsions in certain muscle groups (Kozhevnikovskaya epilepsy); tonic or clonic convulsions in the extremities opposite to the lesion in Jacksonian epilepsy (see the full body of knowledge); stem Convulsions- convulsions  gaze, gormetoniya (see the complete body of knowledge), myoclonias of the soft palate, tongue and other

Localization of Seizures is different; seizures of the facial muscles are often observed: facial hemispasm - one-sided tonic. Seizures of the facial muscles of the face with wrinkles on the forehead, deflecting the corner of the mouth outwards and upwards, with tension of the subcutaneous muscle of the neck on the side of the spasm; facial paraspasm - periodically repetitive tonic symmetrical Cramps of the facial muscles; the spasm usually begins with contraction of the circular muscles of the eye, then the contraction of the circular muscles of the mouth, the muscles of the cheeks, chin, neck, tongue joins, sometimes these spasms are combined with the cysts of the muscles of the mouth and neck, and are often accompanied by pain; blepharospasm (see full body of knowledge) - tonic Spasms of the circular muscles of the eyes, manifested by painful squinting, less frequently observed clonic Spasms, leading to frequent blinking; platysmal spasm - tonic tension of the superficial muscle of the neck; Cramps can sometimes spread to the muscles of the chin and the circular muscles of the mouth; Eye cramps (see full body of knowledge: Eyebroken paralysis, cramp) - tonic Eye muscles' spasms, manifested by involuntary freezing of the eyes in the position of the extreme rejection of the eyeballs (sideways, up, down); Sinus-clonic convulsions. Sterno-sternum-mastoid convulsions characterized by fast small amplitudes with rhythmic sternly head movements; alternate contraction of the muscles can lead to rotational movements of the head (the so-called rotator cramps); The cramps of the diaphragm are often clonic in nature and manifested by hiccups (a loud, fast breath with a characteristic sound). Clonic and clonic-tonic Spasms of the muscles involved in the speech act and respiratory muscles lead to stuttering (see the full body of knowledge). Tonic Spasms of the masticatory muscles (see the complete body of knowledge: Trismism) lead to tight jaw closure, in which the patient sometimes cannot eat or speak. Local tonic cramps may occur in the calf, tailor, abdominal, intercostal and other muscles and be accompanied by severe pain (cramp); palpation determines muscle tightening. Characteristic tonic Spasms of the muscles of the hand (hand of an obstetrician), muscles of the face, feet (horse's foot) are observed with spasmophilia (see the complete body of knowledge), tetany (see the full body of knowledge). Localized Static Cramps, or Govers' s salatory spasm, manifests itself with fast rhythmic jumps due to clonic contraction of the leg muscles. At the beginning of the movement produced with the load, Rülf's intentional convulsion (see the full body of knowledge: Rülf's intentional convulsion) can develop, during which a clonic contraction of the muscles in the limb producing the movement occurs, then the Cramps extends to other muscle groups. Local tonic spasm of the muscles of the fingers and hand is sometimes observed during a long letter (see the complete body of knowledge: Writing spasm) or when playing musical instruments. The cramps of the muscles of the thumb and index fingers - dactylspasm - are observed in tailors, typists, telegraph operators, dairy daughters, saddlers, shoemakers, hairdressers. Convulsions associated with prolonged professional stress also include blepharospasm in watchmakers, spasm of leg muscles in ballet dancers.

Generalized tonic Spasms can occur as a type of hormone (see a complete body of knowledge) - types of periodic tonic Spasms of the trunk and extremities that occur with extensive cerebral lesions. During the Gormetonic Spasms, the spine is slightly extended, the arms are extended, in the position of pronation, and the legs are extended. A variety of generalized tonic spasms is also decerebration rigidity (see the full body of knowledge).

Generalized clonic convulsions are sometimes manifested by frequent rhythmic twitching of the body and trembling of the extremities (previously called convulsions). A variety of clonic convulsions - myoclonias are characterized by asynchronous, erratic, lightning-fast contractions of various muscles. Myoclonias can be generalized and local.

Tonic-clonic convulsions accompanied by loss of consciousness are classified clinically as a large convulsive seizure (paroxysm). In the structure of a convulsive seizure, various tonic and clonic convulsions can be combined. The structure of convulsive seizures in newborns, infants and older children has specific features. Convulsive paroxysms in newborns manifest as lightning, generalized tonic and clonic Spasms that are easily mistaken for the usual movements of the newborn: blinking, closing his eyes, looking away to the side, jerking of the eyeballs, squeezing, sucking, movements of the hands, resembling swimming or rowing, movements of the legs, resembling cycling, tonic contraction of individual muscle groups of the limbs. Unlike physiological movements, Spasms are usually combined with vasomotor and other autonomic disorders and are accompanied by specific changes on the EEG (see the full body of knowledge: Electroencephalography). Tonic convulsions with sudden extension of all limbs or flexion of the arms and extension of the legs are characteristic of premature infants, in full-term paroxysms often indicate hemorrhage into the ventricles of the brain.

Generalized clonic convulsions, alternating contractions of individual muscle groups that migrate from one part of the body to another, are often observed in full-term newborns.

Myoclonic type Cramps in newborns is characterized by single or multiple twitching of the upper or lower limbs with a tendency to bend. These attacks are usually accompanied by screams, discoloration of the skin.

After the neonatal period, the motor component of a convulsive seizure becomes more pronounced. For infants, common tonic seizures are more common - the so-called infantile spasms, characterized by bilateral symmetrical muscle contraction. Flexor spasms are also called propulsive seizures or salaam seizures. During the paroxysm there occurs a sudden bending of the neck, torso, hands, which bend and lead to the body (or, on the contrary, are retracted). Extensor spasms (retrospective seizures) are manifested by a sharp extension of the head and torso, abstraction of the hands. To infantile spasms also include partial, fragmentary forms of cramps - nodding, flinching, flexing and extending the arms and legs. All forms of infantile spasms can be combined with each other, their distinguishing feature is the tendency to seriality. Duration Cramps can be from a split second to several seconds. A series of attacks lasts from a few seconds to 20 minutes or more. During the day, the number of paroxysms varies from single to several hundred and even thousands. Seizures occur most often before falling asleep or after waking up. Infantile Spasms can be accompanied by a scream, a smile, a frightened facial expression, a roll of the eyes, a flinch of the eyelids, pallor or reddening of the face, a temporary stop of breathing. With frequent serial attacks, children are inhibited, sometimes there is a loss of consciousness. After three years of age, infantile spasms are rare.

Large convulsive seizures in young children are more often abortive; the structure of the seizure is dominated by the tonic component. Attacks can be accompanied by a rise in temperature, vomiting, abdominal pain and other vegetative symptoms.

Postvaccinal Seizures occur several hours after vaccination or on the 1-3th day, and only in isolated cases in more than late terms. Convulsions usually local or small propulsive. After vaccination against measles Seizures can occur during the rise in temperature on the 6th-7th day and are in the nature of single tonic-clonic seizures.

Febrile Seizures occur on the background of diseases that occur with high fever (see the complete body of knowledge: Hyperthermal Syndrome). The frequency of febrile seizures in children reaches 8-10%. Convulsions may be generalized in nature with a predominance of the tonic component in the structure of the attack, or be focal. In 50% of cases, febrile seizures with hyperthermia can recur. In cases of recurrent febrile seizures and seizures outside the state of hyperthermia, the risk of further development of epilepsy increases significantly.

In children with increased excitability of the nervous system between the ages of 7-8 months and 2 years, respiratory affective convulsions are observed. The appearance of such convulsions is provoked by fear, severe painanger. During a scream, breath is held while inhaling (inspiratory respiration arrest), cyanosis develops, the head is thrown back, the pupils dilate, consciousness is lost for a few seconds. Due to the developing hypoxia, a generalized convulsive seizure may occur. Seizures can be prevented by switching the attention of the child at the time of the cry. Approximately 50% of children with affective respiratory cramps experience emotional and behavioral disturbances.

The diagnosis of convulsive states involves, first of all, finding out the cause of the convulsion, that is, the diagnosis of the underlying disease. To this end, all patients who had at least a single convulsive paroxysm, conduct a comprehensive clinical examination, including electrophysiological, x-ray, biochemical, cytological studies. An important place belongs to the anamnesis, on the basis of which the patient’s premorbid features, the factors contributing to his Seizures, the nature of the convulsive syndrome, the presence of Seizures and their analogues and other neurological disorders in the patient’s relatives are found out. To clarify the nature of the main pathological process, the objectification of the presence of convulsive brain activity helps electroencephalography (see the full body of knowledge). Paroxysmal discharges of high amplitude, with a pointed wave form and peaks, occurring alone or in combination with a trace slow wave are recorded on the EEG at Convulsions. The form of paroxysm on the EEG to some extent depends on the nature of the convulsive seizures. So, infantile spasms in EEG are characterized by irregular high-voltage oscillations, single and multiple peaks and sharp waves. For large seizures, symmetrical amplifying complexes of slow waves are more typical. To identify hidden convulsive readiness, EEG activation is performed using hyperventilation, rhythmic light and sound stimulations. In convulsive syndrome, in contrast to epilepsy, electroencephalographic changes in the interictal period can be non-permanent, which is of great diagnostic value. In early childhood, the detection of signs on the EEG reflecting convulsive readiness of the brain is difficult due to the instability and vagueness of the biopotential picture due to the immaturity of the central nervous system. Therefore, in this period, the main role in the diagnosis is given to a thorough clinical examination of the patient.

Treatment Cramps should be carried out in parallel with the treatment of the underlying disease. The choice of anticonvulsant drugs (see the full body of knowledge) is made on the basis of the patient's condition, the structure of convulsive seizures. When prescribing drugs take into account the age of the patient, his weight, the time of occurrence of attacks (night, day).

Treatment begins with small doses of drugs, gradually increasing them to the minimum effective dose. The main anticonvulsant is phenobarbital. In generalized convulsive seizures, hexamidine, difenin, benzonal, and chloracon can also be used. With frequent seizures, a combination of these agents with tranquilizers (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, thioridazine, and others) is used with brown, caffeine, papaverine, belladonna extract, calcium gluconate, and others. For focal cortical seizures and clonal generalized seizures, benzonal or its combination with other anticonvulsants is recommended. . For small propulsive seizures, suxilep, picnolepsin, nitrazepam (radedorm), diazepam (seduxen) and others are used. Hormonal preparations (ACTH, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone) have a good anticonvulsant effect in these forms of paroxysms. Treatment Cramps should be carried out for a long time: after the complete disappearance of attacks, anticonvulsant treatment is continued for at least two years. When canceling drugs, it is important to consider EEG indicators. Unjustified interruptions in treatment are unacceptable, as abrupt cancellation of anticonvulsant drugs may lead to the development of epileptic status. It is not recommended to reduce the dose of drugs in the period of somatic or infectious diseases. When treating Spasms, along with anticonvulsants, dehydration therapy should be prescribed periodically (see the complete body of knowledge) - diacarb, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, lasix. With prolonged use of anticonvulsant drugs, strict control over the general condition of the patient and the holding of EEG is necessary.

Convulsions in newborns are an indication for emergency therapeutic measures, because they can quickly lead to swelling of the brain and the depression of vital body functions. Due to the fact that convulsions in newborns are most often caused by metabolic disturbances, until etiological factors are cleared up, parenteral administration of 10-20% glucose solution, 10% calcium gluconate solution, 25% magnesium sulfate solution should be initiated before discontinuation. Cramps If the introduction of metabolites does not give the desired effect, inject anticonvulsants - diazepam, 2.5% solution of aminazine or its combination with pipolfen solution and 0.5% solution of novocaine. After removal of seizures, they switch to maintenance therapy with phenobarbital and take all the necessary measures to make an etiological diagnosis. For febrile convulsions in the acute period, along with antipyretic drugs, it is necessary to prescribe anticonvulsant and dehydrating agents according to the body weight and age of the child. The question of the appropriateness of the appointment of anticonvulsants after the first febrile seizure in order to prevent recurrent seizures and transform febrile seizures into epilepsy should be decided individually depending on the child’s age, premorbid state, the nature and duration of the convulsive seizure, and changes in the EEG. If a child has a second convulsive seizure that is not associated with hyperthermia, it should be treated for a long time, as a patient with epilepsy.

The prognosis depends on the causes of convulsions, the age of the patient, the nature of the seizures and the effectiveness of the treatment. Cramps occurring against the background of an organic lesion of the nervous system, usually have a tendency to progressive flow. They become polymorphic, become more frequent and always make heavier the course of the underlying disease. The prognosis is unfavorable with frequent generalized, long-term focal seizures and convulsive status. Early differentiated treatment, the successful selection of equivalent ratios of drugs leads to long-term remissions and improves the prognosis.

See the complete body of knowledge: Spasm.

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