What is the difference between clonic spasms and other types of muscle spasms? Tonic-clonic seizures Definition of convulsive symptom tonic and clonic seizures

A cramp is an involuntary contraction of muscles accompanied by pain. There are tonic, clonic and tonic-clonic. In each case, it is important to correctly and timely diagnose disorders. For diagnosis, a comprehensive examination of the body is usually prescribed.

Tonic convulsions, similarly to clonic ones, develop when there is a gross disruption of the central nervous system. Reasons given:

1. Neurological pathologies: epilepsy, acute cerebrovascular accident, pathological volumetric phenomena in the brain, hypertensive crisis, traumatic brain injury, neuroinfections (acute and chronic).
2. The most dangerous infectious diseases are tetanus, rabies, childhood diseases, especially those accompanied by high body temperature.
3. Toxic processes developing against the background of acute and chronic renal failure, adrenal insufficiency, hypoglycemic coma.
4. Violation of water-salt metabolism during heat stroke.
5. Hysterical fits.

Factors that contribute to the occurrence of seizures:

With tonic convulsions, only a spasm develops. – rhythmic twitching of a muscle group with high frequency. The combination of two types of seizures is a tonic-clonic spasm.

Types of tonic seizures

Tonic convulsions can be local or generalized. With local cramps, individual muscle groups are affected. With generalized convulsions, on the contrary, the entire body is affected. Let us consider the characteristic manifestations of tonic and clonic-tonic seizures. Local and generalized convulsions show different forms - tonic or clonic, and are mixed.

• Facial hemispasm. Tonic, less often clonic spasms (convulsions) of the muscles of half the face occur. Often the duration of the phenomenon is no more than three minutes. During the specified time, the patient experiences a number of unpleasant characteristic symptoms: squinting of one eye, tonic tension of half the face. The mouth is pulled to the side. In fact, a frozen mask appears on the face. What is happening is complemented by pain. If the cause of the spasm is not found, they speak of idiopathic hepispasm of the face.
• Symptomatic hemispasm occurs as a result of compression of the facial nerve by blood vessels. There are many reasons - vascular malformation, tumor, multiple sclerosis, infections. Such an attack is uncontrollable and can persist while the person is sleeping. Sometimes surgery is indicated for cure. It is possible to use strong anticonvulsants.
• Blepharospasm is a tonic or clonic-tonic contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. It often becomes a sign of torsion muscular dystonia, brain tumor, stroke, degenerative changes in the nervous system, myotonia and other serious diseases. Sometimes blepharospasm becomes a complication of treatment with antidepressants, drugs including lithium, unsuccessful prosthetics or tooth extraction, facial trauma, or simply overstrain of the facial muscle. A person’s condition improves only after sleep, for several hours. Sometimes blepharospasm becomes a sign of a dangerous eye disease - glaucoma. The pathology reveals severe pain symptoms and threatens a person with complete loss of vision.
• Facial paraspasm – bilateral tonic spasm – hyperkinesis. Occurs more often from inflammation of the subcortical nodes.
• Torticollis is an involuntary turn of the head, neck, tonic convulsions on one side of the neck. It can occur as a result of congenital anomalies or torsion dystonia.
• Writer's cramp is a manifestation of hand cramp. It becomes the result of prolonged tension in the hand during writing or typing on a computer, due to nervous tension. When trying to write or type on the keyboard, muscle tension occurs, often accompanied by pain. A similar contraction of the hand muscles occurs in pianists and milkmaids. Before treating the disease, it is necessary to conduct a differential diagnosis to exclude serious pathologies: chorea, torsion dystonia. Such local seizures require a detailed examination by a doctor.
• Myoclonus is a small spasm in individual muscle fibers. It is often clonic, less often – tonic.
• Cramps are very painful, although short-term, cramps or twitching in the calf muscles, foot, and toes. Often the condition occurs at night. A person wakes up from a sharp and sudden pain. Cramps appear as a result of diseases of the peripheral nervous system, diseases of internal organs, blood vessels, especially the lower extremities, and diabetes. Predisposing factors for the appearance of cramps are alcohol consumption, smoking, overwork, water and electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low potassium and calcium in the blood.
• With hysteria, convulsive syndromes are observed - from small tonic feet to a hysterical arc.
• Generalized convulsive syndrome occurs with epilepsy and traumatic brain injury. A similar tonic convulsion can initiate a stroke or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The appearance of such a cramp is noted with a brain tumor.

General principles of treatment of tonic seizures

Treatment of tonic type seizures is possible only after a carefully carried out differential diagnosis. Methods used:

• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• CT scan;
• Electroencephalography;
• Angiography;
• Serological reactions;
• Blood chemistry.

If compression of the facial nerve is detected, surgery is often indicated. Its feasibility is discussed individually with each patient.

Anticonvulsants are prescribed for myopathies, neuropathy of the facial nerve, and tumors of the parotid gland. Muscle relaxants help effectively relax the facial muscles and eliminate tonic spasms. Acupuncture and reflexology effectively relieves tonic spasms. Such procedures are prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

Blepharospasm is treated with muscle relaxants and anticonvulsants. These drugs are prescribed by a doctor. For epilepsy, it is necessary to administer anticonvulsants:

• Magnesium sulfate (25%) 10 – 25 ml;
• Aminazine 2.5% – 2 ml;
• Seduxen;
• Barbituric acid preparations;
• Phenobarbital in a dose of up to 20 mg per kilogram of weight. Treatment lasts until complete recovery.

To reduce intracranial pressure, use:

• Diuretics – Lasix or mannitol;
• Magnesium sulphate multiple times;
• Dexamethasone and other glucocorticosteroid drugs.

Sometimes a spinal tap is prescribed.

Tetanus seizures are always treated in the intensive care unit. The fight against seizures is carried out by introducing sedatives, anticonvulsants, antipsychotic drugs, and muscle relaxants into the body. Diazepam is widely used (sometimes administered intravenously in large doses). Prescribed drugs include barbituric acid, seduxen, curare-like substances, alpha and beta blockers.

Cancellation of antipsychotics and other anticonvulsants is carried out only according to a doctor’s indications. Remember, treatment can be lengthy and last at least a year.

Features of tonic seizures in epilepsy

In epilepsy, seizures are tonic-clonic in nature. Before an epileptic seizure, a so-called aura appears: the patient feels palpitations, dizziness, a feeling of heat, unpleasant odors, and sometimes fear. Immediately after the phenomena, the unfortunate person instantly loses consciousness. The gaze is directed in one direction. Breathing and heart rate slow down. The face is initially pale, later becoming purple or blue.

The tonic phase of the attack lasts no more than a minute. Then the tonic muscle tension is followed by the clonic phase: the muscles of the arms and legs flex and extend, the muscles of the face, neck, and torso twitch. The duration of the attack phase is no more than two minutes.

After the end of the attack, the muscles relax and the tonic spasm stops. The patient does not remember what happened, complains of headache and severe fatigue, muscle pain.

Tonic convulsions in tetanus

Tetanus convulsions are tonic, generalized. The main specific symptoms of seizures in the initial period of the disease:

• Trismus is tension in the masticatory muscles. Leads to difficulty in opening the mouth.
• A sardonic smile is of the tonic type. Externally it manifests itself in a wrinkling of the forehead, narrowing of the slits of the eyes, stretched lips and drooping corners of the mouth.
• Painful swallowing.
• Rigidity of the neck muscles.

As the disease progresses, the clinical picture changes. The spasm spreads further to the muscles of the trunk and limbs. Muscle tension does not go away even when a person sleeps. From such convulsions, the contours of the skeletal muscles are clearly visible. Due to spasms of the intercostal muscles and muscles of the diaphragm, breathing, defecation and urination are difficult. When positioned on the back, the patient's head is tilted back. The lumbar part rises.

Against the background of constant tonic spasms, tetanic convulsions occur. At first, their duration is a few seconds, as the disease progresses, they occur more often and become long-lasting. Tetanic seizures occur suddenly:

• The face takes on a pained expression and a bluish coloration;
• The contours of the muscles are clearly outlined;
• Patients scream because of pain, hold on to the headboard to relieve the condition;
• The skin becomes covered with sweat;
• The temperature rises;
• Heart sounds change, shortness of breath appears.

The symptoms are alarming. At the same time, consciousness remains clear. Tetanus has an indescribably severe course and is extremely dangerous for the patient’s life. The risk of death increases due to the threat of asphyxia, heart failure, cardiac paralysis, and intense tetanic convulsions.

Tonic convulsions become a source of difficulties in the body. To get rid of them, long-term treatment is necessary. It is undesirable to self-medicate: it will not bring results and will be harmful. Always consult an experienced physician for the treatment and prevention of seizures.

When people talk about cramps, most people mean muscle spasms in the limbs. But in fact, there are many varieties of this pathology. The most common types are tonic and clonic seizures. Both of these types are characterized by involuntary muscle contraction accompanied by pain. But they appear for different reasons, and also have differences in the nature of their course. In the most difficult cases, when neurons in the brain are damaged, mixed tonic-clonic muscle spasms are observed. They occur with epilepsy, hysteria, and some infectious diseases. Despite the fact that most seizures are harmless and cause almost no trouble to patients, treatment of the pathology should begin as early as possible. After all, this condition often indicates health problems.

general characteristics

Involuntary muscle contractions can occur in response to various external influences or as a result of disruption of the functioning of internal organs. Convulsions are paroxysmal in nature: they appear suddenly and go away on their own after some time. Their duration can vary: usually from 30 seconds to several minutes. In the most severe cases, convulsive syndrome is observed - when muscle contractions occur after short pauses over several days.

An attack can affect individual muscles and entire muscle groups. Most often, people experience spasms in their calves, feet, or hands. Less commonly, spasms of the facial muscles, thighs, neck, and trunk muscles appear. Their location often depends on the cause of their occurrence.

In a healthy person, muscle contraction occurs with the participation of many factors: the brain, nerve fibers, muscle tissue, hormones and minerals contained in the blood. A failure in one place leads to disruption of muscle function and spasms. They are most often caused by the following reasons:

• neurological diseases, disorders of the nervous system;
• deterioration of cerebral circulation, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors;
• violation of water-salt metabolism in the body, lack of certain minerals;
• intoxication of the body due to poisoning or severe infections;
• vascular pathologies and circulatory disorders;

There are common symptoms that are common to all types of seizures. This is a sharp involuntary tension of the muscle; it becomes hard to the touch and becomes deformed, often forcing the patient to take an unnatural posture. In addition, in most cases, all spasms are accompanied by pain. Other symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure.

Convulsions include both ordinary muscle spasms and epileptic seizures.

Classification

Muscle spasms are most often classified according to their nature. This separation is necessary to prescribe the correct treatment. There are three types of seizures:

• tonic are characterized by strong muscle spasms for a short time, they are caused by both external and internal causes;
• clonic - this is a rhythmic twitching of muscles, consisting of alternating tension and relaxation, most often occurring due to organic lesions of the nervous system;
• tonic-clonic observed in epilepsy and some other serious diseases.

Features of tonic seizures

Tonic cramps are severe tension in one or more muscles. It grows slowly and then goes away on its own. During an attack, the muscle becomes hard to the touch and stands out prominently through the skin. Most often, such spasms are localized in the legs or arms. They are also possible on the face, neck, back, and stomach. Spasm can occur both as a result of pathologies of the brain or internal organs, and under the influence of external factors.

Tonic seizures can be local or generalized. The most common are local spasms of one muscle, mainly the calf or foot. This type of cramp is also called crampy. It is very painful and most often occurs at night. There are also tonic spasms in the hands. They develop as a result of overexertion of the hand during prolonged writing or working at the computer. Tonic spasms can also affect the muscles of the neck or face. In this case, blepharospasm, trismus, torticollis, hemispasm and other pathological conditions appear.

Generalized tonic convulsions occur with epilepsy or serious damage to the nervous system. At the same time, all the muscles of the limbs, torso, neck, and face tense. Most often, the body is stretched, sometimes arched, the head is thrown back. Spasm of the respiratory muscles, slowing of the pulse, involuntary urination and defecation may occur. The jaws are clenched tightly, so biting the tongue is possible. In severe cases, the patient loses consciousness.

Along with spasms of the striated muscles of the skeleton, there are spasms of smooth muscles. They are observed in angina pectoris and bronchial asthma. There may be spasms of the esophagus, intestinal or renal colic. If skeletal muscle cramps, apart from pain, cause almost no inconvenience, then contractions of smooth muscles disrupt the functions of internal organs. They can lead to heart failure and respiratory arrest.

A tonic spasm can affect just one muscle

Characteristics of clonic seizures

The difference between clonic and tonic convulsions is that with them the period of muscle tension is very short and is quickly replaced by relaxation. There can be many such rhythmic cycles during an attack. Therefore, clonic convulsions manifest themselves as characteristic muscle twitching. They can be caused both by damage to neurons in the brain and by disruption of the transmission of nerve impulses in muscle tissue. The consequences of clonic seizures can be paresis or paralysis.

If they affect only one muscle, the condition manifests itself in tics. Tics are rapid clonic spasms of small muscles. Often found on the face, hands, expressed in winking, nodding the head. They may not be associated with damage to brain structures, but may be caused by psychological reasons. Stuttering is a symptom of clonic spasms of the respiratory muscles, larynx, tongue, and lips. It is characterized by speech disorders. This group also includes various ataxias - movement disorders that are characterized by impaired coordination of movements.

Clonic convulsions include rhythmic muscle trembling, tics, hyperknesis, and even stuttering.

Hyperkinesis can be classified as clonic convulsions. They are observed when the excitability of motor centers increases due to damage to brain neurons. They can appear in two forms. Muscle tremors are involuntary rhythmic movements of the limbs or head. They can be observed in Parkinson's disease, hysteria, and neuroses. Another form of hyperkinesis is convulsions - involuntary muscle contractions that cause movement of body parts regardless of a person’s will.

What are tonic-clonic seizures?

The most severe type of spasmodic seizures are clonic-tonic seizures. They are characteristic of epilepsy. The attack usually lasts quite a long time, as it consists of three stages. Usually the person loses consciousness and may fall.

First, a generalized tonic convulsion is observed. At the same time, the body arches, the eyes roll back, the teeth are clenched. After a few seconds, this phase gives way to a clonic convulsion. Convulsions begin - alternating periods of muscle tension and relaxation, lasting 2-3 minutes. They usually affect the limbs and face. After some time, clonic twitching spreads to the entire body and can affect the respiratory muscles. At the same time, the complexion changes, its features are distorted, the pupils dilate, and foam often comes out of the mouth.

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are dangerous because they can lead to injury or respiratory arrest.

Gradually, after no more than 5 minutes, the seizure subsides. The rhythm of clonic twitches slows down and is replaced by rare myoclonic twitches. The muscles relax, and involuntary urination may occur. After this, many patients remain unconscious for some time, and in severe cases they can fall into a coma. But usually there is simply drowsiness, lethargy, and disorientation. This stage lasts about 10 minutes. When the attack ends, many patients fall asleep.

Any type of seizure causes discomfort and physical suffering to the patient. But if tonic spasms of individual muscles are familiar to many and are almost harmless, then with clonic spasms, and especially with their mixed form, special treatment is necessary.

Today we will talk about tonic seizures. Let's find out what it is, get acquainted with the causes and treatment, and also try to figure out how to provide first aid.

It should be understood that most often tonic convulsions occur when a person becomes ill with something. The cause of seizures can be due to many factors. Moreover, their appearance is accompanied by a number of symptoms that require immediate treatment.

What it is?

It is believed that a cramp is a reaction of the human body to an irritant. This may be an external or internal stimulus. The aggressive impact of certain factors on the body provokes pathology in a group of nerve tissues. They, in turn, transmit nerve impulses to muscle compartments throughout the body. Tonic convulsions are considered to be a type of convulsive seizure.

What's special? With such cramps, almost all human muscle tissues are involved, that is, the cramp is very extensive. This means that when a cramp occurs, there may be a spasm of the muscles that, for example, provide breathing. In this case, the outcome can be fatal if timely medical assistance is not provided.

Clonic seizures

The main difference between tonic and clonic convulsions is that with the latter, muscle spasms alternate with their relaxation. Clonic spasms are those involuntary muscle contractions that a person may not even notice at an early stage of the disease. Tonic convulsions are prolonged. Clonic ones are smoother, they are only local. In this case, convulsions of the respiratory system very often occur, which can lead to the development of stuttering.

Symptoms

Tonic convulsions, the symptoms of which can be varied, can still be identified. Main manifestations: pain in the body, difficulty breathing, flexion of the arm at the elbow joint, which occurs spontaneously, spasms of the jaw muscles, muscle contraction for a long time, dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system, body tension.

These are the main symptoms that appear in almost all patients. In this case, a person often throws his head back involuntarily. This causes muscle spasms in the cervical and back areas. One of the most unpleasant symptoms is involuntary urination or defecation. If you notice this symptom, you should immediately go to the hospital and not treat the gastrointestinal tract at home. The reason for this symptom is a spasm of the muscles of the body, which are responsible for retaining fluids.

It is worth noting that the symptoms listed above are very similar to those that patients experience during a seizure. A distinctive feature of tonic convulsions is their duration. Unfortunately, the spasms can continue for hours. It will take even longer for the body to return to normal.

It is important to remember that the described convulsions are a type of convulsive seizure, but the symptoms have their own characteristics.

Causes

We have already figured out what tonic convulsions are. What are their reasons? The main cause of convulsions and seizures is a disruption of the human nervous system. However, today the exact cause of seizures is not known. But scientists have an assumption that the cause is increased excitability of the subcortical region of the brain. There is also a generally accepted list of the most likely causes of seizures:

1. Disturbance of metabolic processes. There is a huge variety of pathologies associated with metabolic processes in the body, which can negatively affect the functioning of the brain. There are frequent cases of seizures due to insufficient calcium. The provoking factor may be oxygen deficiency in the brain, increased sugar, or the presence of toxic substances in the body.
2. Epilepsy. This disease is very similar with tonic seizures that do not last long. The frequency of seizures largely depends on the severity of the disease itself. Typically the seizure lasts up to 5 minutes, during which the person loses consciousness.
3. Infectious diseases. Even then, a seizure may occur. It usually starts with the facial muscles and then moves down. In this case, everything is accompanied by profuse sweat and rapid heartbeat. Most often, seizures occur with tetanus and polio.
4. Pregnancy. The special condition of a woman’s body can contribute to the occurrence of seizures (clonic and tonic). The reason is cerebral edema, which occurs in late pregnancy. The seizure may be accompanied by weakness, deterioration of general condition and increased blood pressure.
5. Disorders of the thyroid gland. Hormonal imbalances are another possible cause. Seizures usually occur in people whose thyroid gland has been completely or partially removed.

As we have already understood, the causes of seizures can be different, but the root of the problem lies in the functioning of the nervous system.

Diagnostics

Tonic seizures can occur in both adults and children. In this case, it is very important to consult a doctor immediately. Very often, people attribute cramps during bowel movements, difficulty breathing, etc. to diseases of certain organs. However, it is not the case. If any symptoms of convulsive syndrome are detected, it is necessary to undergo examination by a surgeon, therapist, neurosurgeon, neurologist and psychologist. Based on the information collected, specialists will draw up an overall picture of a person’s health condition and determine the possible causes of seizures.

At the same time, it is very important not to delay going to the hospital, since tonic convulsions can happen at any time and at the most inopportune moment. The most dangerous situation is when such problems arise in the respiratory system.

Children

Seizures in children begin with a wandering gaze. The child quickly loses contact with the outside world. The symptom continues with the already familiar to us throwing the head back. Also, the child may involuntarily straighten and bend his legs and arms, and close his jaws. Externally, the baby may suddenly turn pale.

Children are more susceptible to seizures because their brains are still immature and the excitability of the nervous system is low. Under the influence of infections and toxins that enter weak blood vessels, convulsions may occur. Childhood seizures are divided into epileptic and non-epileptic. Sometimes the latter can transform into the first type. Seizures can also occur as a consequence of the vaccine.

Newborns

In newborns, the febrile form of the syndrome most often occurs. It is accompanied by high body temperature and is observed not only in infants, but also in children under 5 years of age. Febrile seizures most often go away with age and do not cause any particular discomfort.

Premature babies are most susceptible to tonic convulsions. The syndrome may be accompanied by vomiting, regurgitation, cyanosis and impaired breathing. Duration about 20 minutes. Very often, tonic convulsions in newborns are associated with asphyxia and birth injuries. Asphyxia causes swelling of the brain, resulting in pinpoint hemorrhages. In this case, immediate medical attention is needed, as brain atrophy may begin. Seizures in children can occur as a result of traumatic brain injuries during childbirth. There are also local tonic convulsions (on the face, hands, etc.), which disappear after the baby is removed from the mother’s womb.

Cramps when stuttering

Tonic convulsions during stuttering bring enormous discomfort to the child. They are a spasm that lasts for a long time and prevents the child from speaking. May occur during speech. Tonic and clonic convulsions during stuttering differ in that the latter cause a short contraction of the muscles of the speech apparatus. The child’s speech in this case resembles talking in the cold, reminiscent of trembling.

There are three degrees of severity of stuttering seizures. In the first stage, stuttering and convulsions appear when a person speaks quickly or excitedly. Moderate severity means that the seizures are present even when the person speaks calmly. The severe stage occurs when the convulsions are prolonged and the stuttering is continuous.

Treatment

Treatment of tonic seizures is not an easy task even for an experienced specialist. Professional help from doctors for seizures is mandatory. The doctor must determine the cause of their occurrence and prescribe treatment. While the patient undergoes tests to discover the cause, he is prescribed drugs to normalize blood pressure and sedatives. In emergency cases, medications are used to relieve seizures.

Treatment has three goals: maintaining vital functions for the body, getting rid of seizures and reducing

At the same time, you should not ignore traditional medicine such as tinctures and ointments. There is no need to take radical measures, but it will be useful to support the body and calm the nervous system with herbal decoctions. Herbs such as clover, mistletoe, rhubarb leaves, sweet clover and chamomile are great to help relieve symptoms.

Urgent Care

An attack of tonic seizures can happen at the most inopportune time. That is why it is very important to know how to help a person in such a situation, because respiratory convulsions may occur, which is deadly. The first thing to do is call the doctors. Only after this should you begin providing first aid. It is very important to provide a person with an influx of oxygen, so it is advisable to open the windows and place the person closer to a source of fresh air. This will allow you to avoid oxygen starvation, as well as a number of negative consequences that arise from this. If a person is dressed too warmly or the clothes are too tight, you will have to undress him a little to relieve the spasm. It is also important to ensure that the person does not damage his tongue during a seizure. To do this, place a rolled up towel or handkerchief in your mouth.

The person should lie on their side as there is a risk of vomiting. Positioning on your side will avoid possible suffocation from vomit. You should put something soft under your head.

help yourself

Sometimes a person has to provide first aid to himself, even through pain, if no one is nearby. If a generalized convulsion occurs, that is, one that spreads to the entire body, you will have to wait for outside help. If the cramp is local, then self-massage should be performed. It should be short-term, but the impact must be firm. If a person is prone to seizures, you should always have a needle with you to prick a specific part of the body and relieve tension.

Preventive measures

Sometimes seizures are a consequence of a serious illness or injury. However, involuntary contraction of the arm muscles, for example, may be a consequence of an indifferent attitude towards one’s health. To prevent seizures, it is very important to give the whole body feasible and regular exercise. Sport is the best prevention. Experts especially recommend jogging. Equally important is a diet that should not contain too much junk or fatty food. You should also exclude coffee, alcohol and tobacco from your diet.

Summing up the article, I would like to say that the health of each person is in his own hands. Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat the right foods and walk more in the fresh air. Equally important is the advice to be less nervous and not worry about trivial matters.

Many people have experienced seizures. They often appear unexpectedly and also disappear unexpectedly. For some people, muscle spasms occur rarely, but for others they occur frequently and can last from three to fifteen minutes. If convulsive syndrome recurs several times a week, then consultation with a doctor is mandatory. Perhaps this is just a lack of vitamins, or maybe the spasms indicate the development of some serious illness. A doctor will help you understand this problem.

Muscle spasms are divided into several types. But most often, tonic, clonic and complicated clonic-tonic convulsions are diagnosed. Despite the fact that these varieties are characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and algia, they still have a number of significant differences.

They can occur under the influence of a variety of unfavorable factors, which mainly indicate some kind of disturbance in the body. Despite the fact that muscle contractions are quite common, they most often affect only a few muscle groups.

Tonic cramps are characterized by short-term contractions of muscle areas with the occurrence of slow spasms, provoking severe overstrain of muscle fibers.

Only the attending physician can tell you everything else, who will make a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment, which, if followed, can make seizures a thing of the past. And do not forget that your life and health depend on timely access to a doctor.

Cramps - uncontrolled contraction of muscle tissue due to overexertion; the nature of the seizures is paroxysmal.
Typically, cramps are not constant. Their appearance and disappearance are sudden, but last no more than a minute.

Depending on the cause, seizures can be frequent or infrequent, short or long. Pain is usually not typical, but children and older people can quite clearly feel muscle contractions, which manifest as pain syndromes.

The most common time for seizures to occur is at night. This is due to the fact that during sleep all muscles are in a relaxed state. Also, cramps are not uncommon in healthy people after active muscle activity.

Convulsions are not clearly localized. Muscle contraction can affect one muscle or an entire group. The most common muscle groups are: calves, thighs, abdomen, back and neck.

Convulsive attack

Seizures in other diseases and conditions

Diseases that provoke the development of seizures:

• calcium or magnesium deficiency;
• insufficient brain maturity (in children);
• psychophysiological disorders;
• varicose veins;
• thyroid diseases;
• poisoning by nitrogenous decomposition products;
• cirrhosis;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease;
• atherosclerotic vascular damage;
• malignant neoplasms;
• pathology of the musculoskeletal system.

Provoking conditions:

• insufficient blood supply to the muscles (during physical activity);
• overwork (insufficient blood supply or stress factors);
• pregnancy;
• increased sweating, diarrhea and salt loss;
• monotonous, frequently repeated movements of the hand (typing text on a computer);
• pregnancy;
• alcohol intoxication;
• insufficient supply of micro and macroelements during fasting and improper diets.

First aid for convulsions and seizures

In case of seizures, you must:

• put the patient on a flat but soft surface, if necessary, use outer clothing, pillows, blankets;
• free a person from restraining clothing and accessories;
• if a person loses consciousness, place him on his side so that the tongue does not roll back and inhale saliva and vomit;
• limbs should be carefully held, as excessive force can cause a fracture or dislocation;
• It is prohibited to give medications or water to the patient during an attack.

What to do if your legs have cramps:

• use self-massage or ask another person to stretch the spasmed muscle;
• stretch muscles;
• raise the limb for a rush of blood;
• use warming ointments and compresses;
• take a warm bath.

Help concept

Any treatment should begin with a diagnosis, only after this a diagnosis is made and a plan for further treatment actions is chosen.
If seizures are caused by diseases of organs and systems not related to neurology, then treatment will be aimed specifically at this organ.

If the cause is a specific neurological condition, then it is important to implement measures aimed at eliminating or compensating for this condition.

Thus, convulsions in infectious diseases or febrile conditions go away on their own, but only after treatment of the underlying disease and without the development of complications.

General concepts for the treatment of seizures:

1. Purpose sedatives and, which will help relax muscles and reduce the activity of the nervous system. Examples of such drugs are Andaxin.
2. Intravenous administration of Droperidol or sodium oxybutyrate with severe convulsions or seizures.
3. to inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses.
4. Proper nutrition. It is prescribed by a doctor individually, taking into account the patient’s characteristics and concomitant diseases. It is important to replenish the deficiency of missing substances (lack of calcium, magnesium, salts, macroelements).
5. Surgery(for tumors and epilepsy with an identified focus of epileptic excitation).