Convulsions

Description

Convulsions are involuntary contractions (single or perhaps in a series) from the voluntary muscle tissue caused by unexpected uncontrolled changes in the electric activity from the brain.

Types

Febrile seizures are typical in children between the ages of six months and five years. Signs include: Twitching, jerking, loss of consciousness, and fever. Febrile seizures often run in families, usually are not serious, and occur in one out of every twenty children. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Signs and symptoms

Convulsion symptoms may be mild, characterized only by slight muscle twitches, and light tingling. Serious symptoms include violent whole body jerking, intense fear, possible hallucinations, and occasionally a lapse of consciousness (a grand mal seizure). Seizures that reoccur are often a sign of epilepsy.

Cause

Convulsions or seizures may be attributed to a number of health problems, such as stroke, brain tumors, alcohol and drug withdrawal, metabolic disturbances, neurological disorders, and head trauma. All possible causes must be ruled out and addressed before convulsions can be treated.

*If you are experiencing convulsions, seek immediate medical assistance.

Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: Lavender, sage, and neroli can help relax the body after convulsions.

Diet plan: Eat wholesome well-balanced foods at regular intervals. Children who suffer from convulsions should not be allowed to consume large meals because this contributes to seizures. Instead, consume small meals throughout the day. Avoid all stimulants such as coffee, soda or sugar. Aspartame (NutraSweet®) should also be avoided, as it has been implicated in some cases of seizure.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy® after seizure and for associated emotional/mental says.

Herbs: Asafetida, mugwort, skullcap, and valerian root can be helpful for causing calm.

Homeopathy: Cuprum fulfilled., Belladonna, and Cicuta can help reduce symptoms as well as linger after effects of convulsion.

Nutritional Supplements: There are several nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to seizures. These deficiencies include folic acid, niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6, vitamin D, copper, magnesium, manganese, as well as selenium.

Supplementation with amino acids such as taurine, dimethyl glycine, and/or DL-glutamic acid has been shown to beneficial, because they contain B6, the mineral magnesium, and manganese. Working with a qualified nutritionist is essential when creating a nutritional plan dedicated to ridding the body of convulsions.

Note: Omega-6 essential fatty acid supplementation can trigger or exacerbate convulsions caused by temporary lobe epilepsy. In addition, any supplementation plan should be approved by healthcare practitioner caring for the convulsion patient.

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the advice listed above, seek the assistance of a competent health professional. The following professional therapies have all proven useful for treating and reducing the symptoms of convulsions: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Environmental Medicine, Guided Imagery, Light Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, as well as traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)