Causes of Convulsions

Convulsions, sometimes called seizures, are characterized by uncontrollable rapid shaking. The patient's muscles contract and relax quickly. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that convulsions are caused by changes in the electricity patterns in the brain. Convulsions can be mild or severe, depending on the disorder and the type of seizure. Most seizures are not serious and pass within 30 seconds to two minutes. Convulsions that continue longer indicate a medical emergency.

Epilepsy

When no other causes are found for the sudden muscle contractions, the person is diagnosed with epilepsy. Convulsions, also called fits, result from repeated electrical brain interruptions. The signals to the brain become over-excited and cause the seizures as well as changes in attention and behavior. Epilepsy is a permanent brain disorder that is usually independent of any other medical conditions. People with epilepsy often have a family history of seizures, which usually can be controlled with medication.

Fever

High fever, close to 102 degrees F, can cause febrile in children ages nine months to five years. The NIH reports that 3 to 5 percent of children under five will have a seizure due to high fever. Febrile convulsions tend to run in families and usually strike children who are otherwise healthy. Convulsions often are the first sign of a fever and typically are triggered by ear infections, roseola and upper respiratory infections. While rare, meningitis is another cause of convulsions in toddlers.

Drug Abuse

Abuse of various substances can cause convulsions, reports the NIH. Inhalants, usually used by teens and young adults, can cause convulsions because the toxic fumes from the substance often go straight to the brain. Common inhalants that are abused include gasoline, spray paint, glue and cleaning fluids. In addition to convulsions, inhalants can cause permanent brain damage. Withdrawal from substances including alcohol and painkillers also can cause convulsions.

Electrical Shock

When a person is exposed to an electrical current, convulsion may result. Electricity is easily conducted through the body and can cause internal damage to the heart, brain and muscles in addition to skin burns. Electric shock affects various people differently, depending on the size of the current and the body type. Convulsions may be short in duration and leave the person dazed and drained. On the other hand, the NIH reports that more than 1,000 people die each year from electrical shock.