Seizures: causes, first aid and examination

Other names: Судороги, судорожный приступ, свело мышцу, судороги в ногах ночью, приступ с потерей сознания, конвульсии, судороги у ребёнка

The word convulsions in Russian refers to two completely different conditions. The first is a seizure: an involuntary contraction of muscles due to excess electrical activity in the brain, often accompanied by loss of consciousness. The second is painful muscle spasms, when, for example, your calf cramps at night; The brain has nothing to do with it, the reason is in the muscle itself and the exchange of electrolytes. It is important to separate them, because the tactics are different: an attack requires proper first aid and examination by a neurologist, and night cramps are more often associated with exercise, dehydration, magnesium and calcium deficiency, and taking diuretics. The first convulsive attack in your life is always a reason to call an ambulance.

🧾 МКБ-10: R56.8 🏥 Where it is treated: 10 Attack and muscle spasm - differentFirst attack - call 103Do not put anything in your mouth

👨‍⚕️ Which doctor

Neurologist, therapist

🔬 Diagnostics

Electroencephalography, MRI of the brain, glucose, calcium, magnesium, complete blood count

💊 Treatment

Treatment of the cause, antiepileptic drugs as prescribed by a neurologist

📈 Prognosis

Depends on the reason; many forms are well controlled

⚠️ At risk

Traumatic brain injury, stroke, alcohol, high fever in children, electrolyte disturbances

⏱ When to see a doctor

Emergency for the first attack, prolonged attack and consecutive repetitions

🚨 See a doctor urgently

With these signs do not wait for a scheduled appointment — the condition requires emergency care.

Первый в жизни судорожный приступ у взрослого
Приступ длится дольше 5 минут или повторяется без прояснения сознания
Судороги после травмы головы, у беременной, у человека с диабетом
После приступа сохраняются слабость в руке или ноге, нарушение речи
Судороги на фоне высокой температуры, головной боли и ригидности шеи
Затруднённое дыхание, синюшность губ во время приступа

Seizure attack: what it looks like

During a generalized attack, a person suddenly loses consciousness, the body tenses, and then rhythmic twitching of the arms and legs begins. Possible tongue bite, involuntary urination, noisy breathing. This usually lasts one to three minutes, followed by a period of confusion, drowsiness and headache. There are also milder forms: short-term freezing with stopping gaze, twitching of one hand, strange sensations before an attack. It is important for the witness to remember how it all started and how long it lasted: this information largely determines the diagnosis.

Sudden loss of consciousness
Body tension, then rhythmic twitching
Tongue bite, foaming at the mouth
Involuntary urination
Confusion and drowsiness after an attack
No memory of the attack

First aid for an attack

The main task is to prevent a person from getting injured and to ensure breathing. Remove hard and sharp objects from around, place something soft under your head, and unbutton your collar. Do not hold your arms or legs by force and never put anything in your mouth: broken teeth and jaw injuries are common consequences of such assistance. When the twitching stops, turn the person on his side so that saliva and stomach contents do not enter the respiratory tract. Time the attack from the very beginning.

Remove dangerous objects, place something soft under your head
Do not hold or unclench your jaw
Do not put anything in your mouth or give anything to drink
When finished, turn onto your side.
Time it and stay close
Call 103 for help during the first or prolonged attack

Causes of seizures

In adults, an attack can be a manifestation of epilepsy, but no less often it turns out to be a symptom of another problem: a stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumor, neuroinfection. A separate group is metabolic causes: a sharp drop in blood sugar, low levels of sodium, calcium or magnesium, kidney and liver failure. Convulsions are provoked by withdrawal of alcohol after binge drinking and certain medications. In children under 5 years of age, a common and usually benign cause is febrile seizures associated with high fever.

Epilepsy
Consequences of stroke and head injury
Neuroinfections: meningitis, encephalitis
Low blood sugar
Sodium, calcium, magnesium disorders
Alcohol withdrawal
Febrile seizures in children

Muscle spasms: when your legs cramp

Nighttime calf muscle cramps are a different story. The muscle contracts sharply and painfully for several seconds or minutes, without affecting consciousness. The reasons are usually everyday: unusual exercise, dehydration, loss of salts through sweat, prolonged standing, pregnancy, taking diuretics. Less commonly, they are associated with magnesium and calcium deficiency, thyroid disease, varicose veins and blood flow disorders in the legs, and damage to peripheral nerves in diabetes. Stretching the muscle, massage, drinking enough fluids and reasonable physical activity help.

Slowly pull your foot toward you when your calf spasms.
Stretch and warm the muscle
Drink enough fluids, especially in hot weather
Do calf stretches before bed
Check magnesium, calcium and thyroid function if cramping occurs frequently
Discuss taking diuretics with your doctor

Examination and treatment

After an attack, the neurologist questions witnesses in detail, examines the patient and prescribes tests. Electroencephalography helps to identify epileptic activity, MRI of the brain helps to identify structural changes. Tests for glucose, sodium, calcium, magnesium, a general blood test are required, and if an infection is suspected, a cerebrospinal fluid test is required. Treatment depends on the cause: for metabolic disorders, it is enough to eliminate them; for epilepsy, an antiepileptic drug is selected. The dose and regimen are determined only by the doctor; independent withdrawal is dangerous due to the return of attacks.

Electroencephalography
MRI of the brain
Glucose, sodium, calcium, magnesium
General and biochemical blood test
Neurologist consultation and observation
Refusal to drive until approved by a doctor

Services and prices for this diagnosis

Based on official price lists of Tashkent clinics. The exact cost is determined after examination.

🔬 Diagnostics

Консультация неврологаfrom 200 000 МРТ головного мозга Глюкоза кровиfrom 50 000 Кальций общийfrom 55 000 Минеральный обмен: магний + фосфорfrom 50 000 Общий клинический анализ крови + СОЭfrom 75 000

Frequently asked questions: Convulsions

What should you not do during a seizure?+

You cannot hold a person by force, unclench your teeth and put anything in your mouth, give water or medicine until he comes to his senses. These actions lead to injury and fluid entry into the respiratory tract.

Is one seizure already epilepsy?+

No. The diagnosis is made by a neurologist after examination. A single attack is often the result of another cause: low sugar, electrolyte imbalance, alcohol withdrawal, lack of sleep. But it is necessary to be examined after the first attack.

Why do my calf muscles cramp at night?+

Most often due to stress, dehydration, loss of salts, standing for a long time or pregnancy. Stretching your calves before bed, drinking enough fluids, and warming up can help. If cramping is frequent, check magnesium, calcium, and thyroid function.

Are seizures dangerous when a child has a fever?+

Febrile seizures in children under 5 years of age are usually benign and resolve within a few minutes. But during the first episode, the child must be examined by a doctor, and in case of a prolonged attack or lethargy after it, you need to call 103 for help.

Is it possible to drive a car after a seizure?+

Until the examination is completed and the neurologist gives permission - no. Having a seizure while driving is dangerous for the person himself and those around him. The doctor determines the duration of the restriction individually, based on the cause and effectiveness of the treatment.

The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor consultation. Only a qualified specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment after an in-person examination.

Where it is treated convulsions в Ташкенте

После судорожного приступа нужно найти причину: от нарушения обмена веществ до изменений в головном мозге. Clinics Ташкента, где принимают неврологи и есть нужная диагностика: