What are the different types of seizures. How are seizures diagnosed and treated. What medical terms are associated with epilepsy. What are the latest advancements in epilepsy management.

Types of Seizures: A Detailed Overview

Seizures are complex neurological events that can manifest in various forms. Understanding the different types of seizures is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Let’s explore some of the most common seizure types:

Absence Seizures

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are characterized by brief lapses in awareness. How do they present? Typically, the person experiencing an absence seizure will have a blank stare and may blink repeatedly. These episodes usually last between 2 to 20 seconds and are more common in children. While they can be disturbing, absence seizures often respond well to medication and many children outgrow them as they reach adolescence.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Formerly known as grand mal seizures, tonic-clonic seizures are perhaps the most recognizable type of seizure. What happens during a tonic-clonic seizure? The person loses consciousness, their body stiffens (tonic phase), and then experiences rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). These seizures can be particularly dangerous due to the risk of injury from falling or uncontrolled movements.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures, previously called partial seizures, originate in a specific area of the brain. They can be further categorized into focal aware seizures (where consciousness is maintained) and focal impaired awareness seizures (where consciousness is affected). What are the symptoms of focal seizures? They can vary widely depending on which part of the brain is involved, but may include involuntary movements, sensory changes, or emotional disturbances.

Atonic Seizures

Atonic seizures are characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone. How do they manifest? A person experiencing an atonic seizure may suddenly drop objects they’re holding or fall to the ground if standing. These seizures are sometimes referred to as “drop attacks” and can result in injuries due to unexpected falls.

Diagnostic Tools and Procedures in Epilepsy

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective epilepsy management. Several diagnostic tools and procedures are used to identify and characterize seizures:

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An EEG is a fundamental tool in epilepsy diagnosis. How does an EEG work? It records the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. Abnormal patterns in this activity can indicate epilepsy or other neurological disorders.

Video EEG Monitoring

This technique combines EEG recording with video monitoring of the patient. Why is video EEG monitoring important? It allows healthcare providers to correlate observed behaviors with brain activity patterns, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Neuroimaging Techniques

Advanced imaging techniques play a crucial role in epilepsy diagnosis and management:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of brain structure
• Computed Tomography (CT): Offers cross-sectional images of the brain
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Can reveal areas of abnormal brain metabolism

How do these imaging techniques help in epilepsy management? They can identify structural abnormalities, tumors, or other brain lesions that may be causing seizures, guiding treatment decisions and surgical planning if necessary.

Treatment Approaches for Epilepsy

Managing epilepsy often requires a multifaceted approach. Let’s explore some of the primary treatment options:

Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)

Medications are the first-line treatment for most people with epilepsy. How do AEDs work? They aim to control seizures by altering brain chemistry or neural activity. There are numerous AEDs available, and the choice depends on factors such as seizure type, potential side effects, and individual patient characteristics.

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has shown effectiveness in controlling seizures, particularly in children. How does the ketogenic diet help with seizures? It’s believed to alter brain metabolism in a way that reduces seizure activity. While it can be highly effective, it requires strict adherence and medical supervision.

Surgical Interventions

For some patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgery may be an option. What types of epilepsy surgeries are available?

• Resective surgery: Removal of the part of the brain causing seizures
• Corpus callosotomy: Cutting the connection between brain hemispheres to prevent seizure spread
• Hemispherectomy: Removal of portions of one brain hemisphere

These surgeries can be highly effective in carefully selected patients, often leading to significant seizure reduction or even seizure freedom.

Epilepsy Syndromes: Beyond Individual Seizures

Epilepsy is not a single condition but encompasses a variety of syndromes. Understanding these syndromes is crucial for appropriate management:

Benign Focal Epilepsy of Childhood

This syndrome, also known as Benign Rolandic Epilepsy, is characterized by focal aware seizures during sleep. What are the typical features? Children may experience changes around the face or tongue, gurgling noises, or rapid facial muscle movements. The good news is that these seizures are often easily controlled with medication and typically resolve by puberty.

Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies

This group of epilepsy syndromes includes conditions like Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and Childhood Absence Epilepsy. What defines idiopathic generalized epilepsies? They typically have a genetic component and involve seizures that begin in both brain hemispheres simultaneously.

Catamenial Epilepsy

This term describes the tendency for some people with epilepsy to experience increased seizure frequency around the time of menstruation. How does the menstrual cycle affect seizures? Hormonal fluctuations can influence brain excitability, potentially lowering the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.

Living with Epilepsy: Beyond Medical Management

While medical management is crucial, living with epilepsy involves more than just controlling seizures. Let’s explore some important aspects:

Accommodation in the Workplace

Accommodation refers to any change that gives people with disabilities, including epilepsy, an equal opportunity to work. What types of accommodations might be helpful for people with epilepsy?

• Flexible work schedules to accommodate medical appointments or recovery after seizures
• Modified work environments to reduce seizure triggers (e.g., adjusting lighting)
• Allowing breaks for medication administration
• Providing a rest area for recovery after a seizure

Safety Considerations

People with epilepsy need to be aware of potential safety risks. What safety measures are important?

1. Taking medications as prescribed to control seizures
2. Avoiding known seizure triggers
3. Using safety devices in the home (e.g., padded furniture, shower chairs)
4. Wearing medical alert jewelry
5. Educating family, friends, and coworkers about seizure first aid

Psychological Impact

Living with epilepsy can have significant psychological effects. What mental health challenges might people with epilepsy face?

• Anxiety about when the next seizure might occur
• Depression related to lifestyle limitations or medication side effects
• Social isolation due to fear of having a seizure in public
• Cognitive difficulties, which can be a result of seizures or medications

Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive epilepsy care. Mental health support, including counseling or support groups, can be invaluable for many people living with epilepsy.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions in Epilepsy Care

The field of epilepsy treatment is continuously evolving, with new approaches offering hope for improved seizure control and quality of life. Let’s explore some of the emerging treatments and future directions in epilepsy care:

Neurostimulation Therapies

Neurostimulation involves using electrical impulses to modulate brain activity. What are some examples of neurostimulation therapies for epilepsy?

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device implanted under the skin sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, potentially reducing seizure frequency.
• Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): This involves implanting a device that monitors brain activity and delivers electrical stimulation when it detects patterns that may lead to a seizure.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain to deliver electrical pulses that may help control seizures.

Gene Therapy

As our understanding of the genetic basis of epilepsy grows, so does the potential for gene therapy. How might gene therapy be used in epilepsy treatment? Researchers are exploring ways to correct or compensate for genetic mutations that cause certain types of epilepsy. While still in early stages, this approach holds promise for more targeted and effective treatments in the future.

Precision Medicine

The concept of precision medicine involves tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. How could precision medicine improve epilepsy care? By analyzing a patient’s genetic profile and other biomarkers, doctors may be able to predict which anti-epileptic drugs will be most effective and have the fewest side effects for that individual.

Novel Drug Delivery Methods

Researchers are exploring new ways to deliver anti-epileptic drugs more effectively. What are some innovative drug delivery methods being investigated?

• Intranasal delivery: Allows drugs to bypass the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain more directly
• Nanoparticle-based delivery: Could improve drug absorption and reduce side effects
• Implantable drug-release systems: Might provide more consistent medication levels over time

The Role of Technology in Epilepsy Management

Advancements in technology are playing an increasingly important role in epilepsy care. Let’s explore some of the ways technology is improving epilepsy management:

Seizure Detection Devices

Wearable devices that can detect seizures and alert caregivers are becoming more sophisticated. How do these devices work? They typically use sensors to monitor movement, heart rate, or electrical activity in the brain, and can send alerts to smartphones or other devices when a seizure is detected.

Mobile Apps for Seizure Tracking

Smartphone apps allow patients to easily log seizures, medication adherence, and potential triggers. Why are these apps useful? They can help patients and healthcare providers identify patterns and make more informed treatment decisions. Some apps can even integrate data from wearable devices for a more comprehensive picture.

Telemedicine in Epilepsy Care

Telemedicine is becoming increasingly important in epilepsy management. How can telemedicine benefit people with epilepsy?

• Improved access to specialists, especially for those in rural areas
• Reduced need for travel, which can be challenging for those who can’t drive due to seizures
• More frequent check-ins with healthcare providers, potentially leading to better seizure control
• Remote monitoring of medication adherence and side effects

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions for epilepsy management in the future.

Understanding the Impact of Epilepsy on Different Life Stages

Epilepsy can affect individuals at any age, but its impact and management can vary significantly across different life stages. Let’s explore how epilepsy manifests and is managed at various points in life:

Epilepsy in Infancy and Early Childhood

Epilepsy in very young children can be particularly challenging to diagnose and manage. What are some unique considerations for epilepsy in infants and young children?

• Difficulty in recognizing and describing symptoms
• Potential impact on developmental milestones
• Challenges in medication administration
• Importance of early intervention to prevent developmental delays

One specific concern in this age group is febrile seizures. What are febrile seizures? These are seizures that occur in young children as a result of high fevers. While often frightening for parents, most febrile seizures are benign and do not lead to epilepsy.

Epilepsy in Adolescence

The teenage years bring their own set of challenges for individuals with epilepsy. What issues might adolescents with epilepsy face?

• Balancing medication adherence with a desire for independence
• Dealing with the social stigma of epilepsy
• Managing restrictions on activities like driving
• Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare services

Epilepsy in Adulthood

Adults with epilepsy face unique challenges related to work, relationships, and family planning. What are some key considerations for adults living with epilepsy?

• Career choices and workplace accommodations
• Balancing epilepsy management with family responsibilities
• Considerations around pregnancy and anti-epileptic medications
• Long-term effects of seizures and medications on cognitive function

Epilepsy in Older Adults

Epilepsy in older adults is becoming increasingly recognized. What factors contribute to epilepsy in this age group?

• Increased risk of seizures due to stroke, dementia, or other neurological conditions
• Challenges in differentiating seizures from other health issues common in older adults
• Increased sensitivity to medication side effects
• Potential interactions between anti-epileptic drugs and other medications

Understanding these age-specific considerations is crucial for providing comprehensive, patient-centered epilepsy care throughout the lifespan.

Seizure terminology: A glossary – Seer Medical

Absence seizure — A type of generalised onset seizure, also known as a dialeptic seizure or a petit mal seizure. Characterised by blank stares and a brief loss of awareness, sometimes with blinking. They may last anywhere between 2–20 seconds. Usually, they develop in childhood, but are often outgrown and can be easily controlled with medication. 

Accommodation — Any change that gives people with disabilities an equal opportunity to work.

Adversive seizures — Seizures characterised by rotation of the head, eyes, or body.

Ambulatory EEG monitoring —  A system for recording the electroencephalogram outside of the hospital for a short period of time.

Anticonvulsants — A drug used to control seizures. 

Anti-epileptic drugs — Medications used to treat epilepsy, also called anticonvulsants or AEDs.  

Atonic seizure — Seizures characterised by the sudden loss of muscle tone, often in the arms or legs. Known to cause objects in hands to drop or sudden falls. 

Aura — Focal aware seizure. Some people use “aura” to describe a warning sign of a seizure 

Benign focal epilepsy of childhood — An epilepsy syndrome found in children characterised by focal aware seizures during sleep. Known to cause changes around the face or tongue, gurgling noises, or rapid movement of facial muscles. They are easily controlled with medication, but are often infrequent enough to be left untreated. These are usually outgrown by puberty.

Catamenial epilepsy — The tendency for people with epilepsy to experience seizures around the time of menstruation. 

Chronic epilepsy — When seizures are resistant to medication and other treatments.

Clonic seizure — Epileptic seizures characterised by sudden rhythmic movement involving all parts of the body.

Computed tomography — Also known as a CT or cat scan. A technique using x-rays and computers to create an image of the inside of a body, particularly of someone’s brain. Similar to an MRI but makes a lower resolution image. 

Corpus callosum — The major nerve structures that connect the two hemispheres of the brain. Helps to share information between each half of the brain. 

Corpus callosotomy — A surgery that cuts the corpus callosum to interrupt the spread of seizures between brain hemispheres. Most effective against atonic and tonic-clonic seizures. 

Drop attacks — A sudden fall without loss of consciousness, categorised as tonic or atonic seizures when part of epilepsy.

ECG (electrocardiogram) — Diagnostic test of the electrical activity of the heart. 

EEG (electroencephalogram) — Diagnostic test of the electrical activity of the brain.

EEG video monitoring — A continuous EEG test with accompanying video to observe behaviour. Used for diagnosing epilepsy, localising the seizure focus, and determining treatment.

EPC (epilepsia partialis continua) — Continuous or prolonged partial seizures. Characterised by sudden movement in the arms, legs, or face.

Epilepsy — A medical condition characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Epilepsy surgery — A procedure to prevent further seizures. Successful in most patients depending on the type of epilepsy.

Epilepsy syndrome — A disorder defined by a cluster of epilepsy symptoms occurring together with a known prognosis. 

Epileptogenic zone — The area of the brain responsible for the abnormal electrical signals that cause seizures.

Febrile seizures — Tonic-clonic seizures that are known to occur in young children and infants as a result of fevers. 

Focal impaired awareness seizure — Seizures that involve partially impaired awareness. Characterised by staring into space or unintentional movements.

Focal seizure — An outdated term for partial seizures. A seizure that begins in the focal area of the brain and may not spread to other parts.

Generalised seizure — A seizure that occurs in both hemispheres of the brain at once. May be convulsive or non-convulsive, and may cause tonic-clonic or other movements. 

Grand-mal seizure — An outdated term for tonic-clonic seizures. Characterised by losing consciousness and collapsing, often with body stiffening or sudden muscle movements.

Hemisphere — Cerebral hemispheres, referring to one half of the brain.

Hemispherectomy — A surgical procedure to remove portions of one hemisphere of the brain to prevent seizures from spreading.

Idiopathic generalised epilepsies — Epilepsy syndromes characterised by onset from both hemispheres of the brain at once.

Isolated seizures — A single seizure with no risk factors for epilepsy.

Ketogenic diet — A treatment for epilepsy involving high fats, and low carbs. Most often recommended for children with a generalised epilepsy that has failed to respond to medication.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — An imaging technique for getting pictures of the inside of the body without using x-rays.

Myoclonic seizure — A seizure characterised by sudden but brief movements on both sides of the body, most often in the arms and shoulders.

Neurologist — A doctor who specialises in epilepsy and other disorders of the brain and nervous system.

Nocturnal seizure — A seizure that occurs at night during sleep.

Partial seizure — See focal seizure. a seizure that occurs in a specific part of the brain and does not travel to other parts.

Petit mal — An outdated term for absence seizure.  

Seizure — Altered brain function as a result of abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, often causing changes in behaviour or motor function.

Seizure focus — The part of the brain where a seizure started.

Tonic seizure — Seizures characterised by stiff muscles and abnormal electrical activity on both sides of the brain.

Tonic-clonic seizure — Formally known as grand-mal seizure. A type of seizure marked by sudden loss of consciousness, body stiffness, and sudden muscle movements. Characterised by losing consciousness and collapsing, often with body stiffening or sudden muscle movements.

Unknown onset seizure — A seizure that cannot be diagnosed as focal or generalised.

Glossary of Epilepsy Terms

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Absence seizure: (also know as “dialeptic seizure” or “petit mal seizure”) a seizure that causes a brief loss of awareness. During an absence seizure, the patient stops any activity and stares blankly. Rarely, there may be some blinking.

Antiseizure drug (ASD): Also called an anticonvulsant an antiepileptic drug used to control both convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures.

Atonic seizure: a seizure that causes a sudden loss of muscle tone, particularly in the arms and legs, and often causes the patient to fall.

Aura: a warning or initial symptom at the beginning of a seizure, experienced by the patient, but not visible to observers. Auras may progress to become focal or even generalized seizures, or they may exist alone.

Bilateral tonic clonic seizure: Formerly called grand-mal seizures, an older term for a seizure in which the patient loses consciousness and collapses. The patient also has body stiffening and violent jerking, and then often goes into a deep sleep. Also known as a generalized convulsion.

Clonic seizure: repetitive, rhythmic jerks that involve all or part of the body.

Corpus callosum: a band of nerve fibers located deep in the brain that connects the two halves (hemispheres) of the brain. The corpus callosum helps the hemispheres share information.

Corpus callosotomy: an operation that cuts the corpus callosum and interrupts the spread of seizures from one hemisphere of the brain to the other. Callosotomies may be complete, or may involve only a portion of the corpus callosum. Although seizures generally do not completely stop after this procedure, they usually become less severe.

EEG-video monitoring: Continuous simultaneous recording of brainwaves and video observation of the behavior accompanying the EEG. This technique, carried out at comprehensive epilepsy centers, is employed to diagnose epilepsy and localize the seizure focus. The results are useful to determine therapy — medical or surgical.

Epilepsy: a chronic medical condition marked by recurrent epileptic seizures. Patients may have single seizures as a result of fever, drug withdrawal, or trauma, for example, but are not labeled as having epilepsy if seizures do not recur.

Epileptogenic zone: the region of the brain responsible for the abnormal electrical signals that cause seizures.

Electrode: a conductive disk (usually metal) attached to the scalp which conveys the electrical activity of the brain through a wire to an EEG machine. During an electroencephalogram, typically around 20 electrodes are temporarily pasted to the scalp.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): a diagnostic test that measures brain waves, the electrical impulses in the cerebral cortex. This test helps a doctor to diagnose epilepsy.

Epilepsy surgery: a neuro-surgical procedure to prevent further seizures, usually accomplished by resecting the epileptogenic zone. Successful in eliminating seizures in a large majority of patients, depending on the type of epilepsy identified during EEG-video monitoring.

Extratemporal cortical resection: an operation to cut out (resect) brain tissue that contains a seizure focus. “Extratemporal” means the tissue is located in an area of the brain other than the temporal lobe, most often the frontal lobe.

Focal onset aware seizure: (also known as a “partial seizure”) a seizure that occurs in a limited area in only one hemisphere of the brain. This type of seizure is more amenable to treatment with surgery than are generalized seizures.

Focal onset impaired awareness seizure: Formrly called complex partial seizures are seizures that includes impairment of awareness, for example, patients seem to be “out of it” or “staring into space.” Unintentional movements or other movements are frequently a part of the seizure.

Functional hemispherectomy: a procedure in which portions of one hemisphere of the brain which is not functioning normally are removed, and the corpus callosum is split. This interrupts the communications among the various lobes and between the two hemispheres and prevents the spread of seizures.

Hemisphere: one half of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain.

Generalized seizure: a seizure that occurs all through the brain.

Ketogenic diet: a treatment for epilepsy intended to maintain the starvation or fasting metabolism for a long period in order to create ketones, byproducts of fat-burning metabolism. Seizures often lessen or disappear during periods of fasting. The diet is very high in fat and low in carbohydrates and is most often recommended for children ages 2 through 12 who have been diagnosed with a generalized type of epilepsy, and who have failed to respond to a variety of medications.

Lesionectomy: surgery to remove isolated brain lesions that are responsible for seizure activity.

Lobe: one of the sections of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain. The lobes are divided into four paired sections (frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal). The seizure focus is usually located in one of the lobes.

Lumbar puncture: a diagnostic procedure in which the fluid surrounding the spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) is withdrawn through a needle and examined in a lab. Also known as a spinal tap.

Multiple subpial transection: a surgical procedure to help control seizures that begin in areas of the brain that cannot be safely removed (areas that control movements or speech). The surgeon makes a series of shallow cuts (transections) in the brain tissue to interrupt the movement of seizure impulses.

myoclonic seizure: a seizure that consists of sporadic jerks, usually on both sides of the body. Patients with these seizures may drop or involuntarily throw objects.

Neurologist: a doctor who specializes in the treatment of epilepsy and other disorders of the brain and nervous system.

Neuron: a single nerve cell. The brain is made up of billions of neurons. Many neurons malfunctioning together are necessary to produce a seizure.

Nonepileptic event: an event that resembles a seizure but is actually produced by another condition, such as Tourette syndrome or heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Certain psychological conditions can also bring on a nonepileptic event.

Responsive neurostimulation device: RNS consists of a small neurostimulator implanted within the skull under the scalp. The neurostimulator is connected to one or two wires (called electrodes) that are placed where the seizures are suspected to originate within the brain or on the surface of the brain. The device detects abnormal electrical activity in the area and delivers electrical stimulation to normalize brain activity before seizure symptoms begin.

Seizure: an event of altered brain function caused by abnormal or excessive electrical discharges in the brain. Most seizures cause sudden changes in behavior or motor function.

Seizure focus: the area of the brain in which a seizure starts.

Status epilepticus: a prolonged seizure (usually defined as lasting longer than 5 minutes) or a series of repeated seizures without regaining consciousness. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency and medical help should be obtained immediately.

Temporal lobe resection: a surgical procedure in which brain tissue in the temporal lobe is cut away (resected) to remove the seizure focus.

Tonic seizure: a seizure that is characterized by stiffening of the muscles, sustained for more than a few seconds.

Tonic-clonic seizure: a seizure marked by loss of consciousness, falling, stiffening, and jerking. This is the hallmark of a generalized motor seizure, which used to be called a “grand mal seizure.”

Vagus nerve: a small cranial nerve that passes through the neck and is connected to various areas of the brain and other organs in the body, including the stomach, heart, and lungs.

Vagus nerve stimulation: a surgical treatment for epilepsy involving implantation in the neck of an electrode on the vagus nerve. The electrode is connected to a pacemaker that is placed under the skin in the chest. While the VNS is usually programmed to cycle continuously, the patient can turn the stimulator on, using a small magnet placed over the pacemaker, if they feel a seizure coming on.

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Cramps

In scientific terminology, cramps are unforeseen, sudden, jerky muscle contractions.

The following types of seizures are distinguished:

• Local seizures, covering a certain muscle group. For example, in a person who squats for a long time. Spasms of the face, muscles of the hand, feet or body can be observed when the cerebral cortex is damaged. More precisely, the area that is responsible for the functioning of the muscles;
• Generalized or generalized convulsions cover the entire body of a person. At the same time, there is a loss of consciousness, the appearance of foam at the mouth, unexpected urination. Seizures are observed during the attack of epilepsy, with the appearance of craniocerebral injuries, after infectious or intoxication ailments.

Seizures of various types can occur when blood flow processes are disturbed or when blood vessels and capillaries are damaged. And also, soft tissues of the lower extremities.

There are such convulsive seizures:

• Tonic convulsions are specific, obvious muscle strains. This phenomenon applies to all muscle groups, up to the respiratory tract. These are long muscle contractions over a long period of time. Tonic convulsions can be described as follows: the body of a person remains elongated, the teeth and muscles are compressed, the head is tilted back;
• Clonic convulsions – transformation of muscle tone, sudden twitching of tissues. In other words, these are periodic convulsions of the flexion and extensor elements. At the same time, involuntary jerks of the limbs and torso are observed. Basically, they occur with loss of consciousness or epilepsy;
• In practice, mixed variants have also been observed. That is, generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The main feature of seizures is a complete abrupt shutdown of consciousness. It all starts with a large tonic spasm, which is accompanied by wheezing. The duration of such a seizure is from 40 seconds to 2 minutes.

Seizure prevention

If the seizures come on suddenly, a pain reliever may help. After that, the damaged area should be thoroughly kneaded. For what? To restore normal blood circulation.

It should be noted that the presence of calcium in the body is directly related to the occurrence of seizures. Therefore, if such attacks are observed, it is worth including more foods containing calcium in your diet. For example: dairy products, fish, etc.

When convulsions appear, it is best to contact a specialist. Namely, they will help and develop a special treatment regimen. Which doctors can help with this issue? They are:

• Therapists;
• Vascular surgeons;
• Endocrinologists;
• Neurologists;
• Dermatologists.

Causes of seizures

From a medical point of view, there can be a lot of such nuances. They can be provoked by the same hyperkinesis (overabundance of movements).

Seizures develop differently in each person and have their own nature. For example: facial hemispasm affects the facial part. It lasts for 1-3 minutes.

As for the lower endings, the area of ​​the feet and calf muscles, the appearance of cramps can be noted there. They do not last long, but severe pain is noticeable. They appear at night during pull-ups. In this case, the muscles begin to contract, the feet begin to bend, the fingers begin to come down.

Even everyday situations can cause seizures. For example: frequent physical activity, bad habits, severe hypothermia or sheer heat.

Convulsions can also occur if there is a lack of blood sugar.

So, if convulsions have become a frequent occurrence in your life, you should seek specialized help! Specialists of the IntelPlus clinic in Vidnoe will help determine the obvious cause of their appearance and develop a special treatment regimen.

A cramp is a sudden, involuntary and uncontrolled muscle contraction without a period of relaxation

Almost everyone has had to experience the unpleasant sensation of leg cramps at least once in their life, which is often described as “cramping the legs”.

A cramp is a sudden, involuntary, and uncontrolled muscle contraction (muscle spasm) without a period of relaxation (relaxation). A cramp can occur during sleep, and from physical exertion, and as a result of some kind of disease, and sometimes, as it seems, “for no reason at all”, at rest.

Most often, it reduces the calves of the legs and the muscles of the foot, the spasm can last from a few seconds to an hour, after which pain in the affected muscles (from several hours to a day) and swelling can be felt for a long time.

At the time of the cramp, the affected muscle protrudes above the skin, is hard, and hurts when pressed with a finger.

There are tonic convulsions (long and strong muscle tension), clonic (its twitching) and mixed, when both types alternate or combine.

In international terminology, cramps in the calf muscles are called “cramps” (from the English cramps – cramp, spasm).

Any leg cramp is unpleasant, but there are situations when it becomes life-threatening, for example, in a swimmer in the water.

I had a cramp in my leg, what should I do?

Regardless of the cause that caused the cramp, I want to quickly get rid of painful discomfort.

First try:

Do self-massage – rubbing and stretching a spasmodic muscle,

Stretching out the leg, pull the toe towards you,

Pinch the contracted muscle strongly or make a light prick with something sharp: a needle or a pin (by the way, experienced swimmers advise you to always have a pin with you in case of need),

Take a warm shower or apply a cold (hot) compress.

What to do if leg cramps bother you at night, and massage does not help? Stand on a cold surface, try to stretch your toe forward, then try to sit down with support on the injured leg. So that the spasm does not recur, rub the sore spot with a warming ointment, vodka or alcohol.

Causes of leg cramps

Physiological reasons:

· After a long climb up the stairs, a long walk, strong physical exertion, for example, when playing sports without first warming up. Microtraumas are formed in the muscles, because of this, there is a violation of the transmission of nerve impulses that control the contraction and relaxation of the muscles.

The period of pregnancy in women. Seizures can be caused by calcium or magnesium deficiency. In addition, as the abdomen grows and weight gain, the load on the calf muscles increases, they shorten and thicken. This leads to a violation of the outflow of blood and lymph in the legs. The cause may also be the syndrome of the inferior vena cava (compression of the vessel by the enlarging uterus in the second and third trimesters), cramps are felt in the supine position, often during sleep.

Hypodynamia.

Prolonged wearing of shoes with heels above 5 cm.

Hypothermia or overheating.

Dehydration due to increased sweating and insufficient fluid intake or poisoning. Accompanied by the loss of trace elements necessary for normal muscle function.

Stress – in this state, the hormone cortisol is produced, which disrupts the balance of macro- and microelements and impairs calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

Metabolic causes are various diseases: neurological, metabolic disorders, vascular circulation, hereditary factor.

Diseases causing muscle spasm

Metabolic disorders:
diseases of the liver, kidneys, diabetes mellitus, lesions of the vessels of the legs – atherosclerosis, varicose veins, obliterating endarteritis (“smoker’s disease”).

Neurological: osteochondrosis , flat feet, protrusions and herniated discs, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, polyneuropathy, etc.

Convulsions can also be caused by taking certain medications that impede the absorption of magnesium: for example, strong diuretics, statins, drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, etc.

Diagnostics and treatment of leg cramps

If the causes of seizures are physiological and they occur no more than once a month, treatment is usually not needed, they will go away on their own.

Since seizures can be a symptom of a variety of diseases, it is necessary to identify their cause. After contacting a therapist, according to indications, he refers to narrow specialists: an orthopedist, phlebologist, neurologist, rheumatologist, endocrinologist.

Laboratory tests are also prescribed: determination of the level of B vitamins (B1, B5, B6, B12), vitamin D, magnesium, calcium, iron, thyroid screening, complete blood count, determination of cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, etc.

If convulsions occur due to a specific disease, then you need to start with its treatment.

At the same time, symptomatic therapy is also used: magnesium, B vitamins, carbamazepine and other drugs are used to relieve pain, warming ointments are used, for example, finalgon. Exercises aimed at stretching the calf muscles (see below), as well as correcting the diet, help.

Leg cramp prevention

· Avoid hypothermia. If cramps bother you at night, it is better to sleep in warm socks.

· Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather.

Be sure to include in your diet dairy products, hard cheese, greens, cereals, dried apricots, fish, nuts and other foods rich in magnesium, calcium, vitamins B and D.

· Stop smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

Reduce consumption of sugar and coffee (especially at night).

It is useful to make foot baths with sea salt and herbs (horsetail, peppermint, valerian root) at night.

Wear comfortable shoes with stable heels up to 5 cm high.

Take breaks for warm-ups during sedentary work.

Useful exercises

Standing:

1. Pressing your heels to the floor, stand for 10-20 seconds.

2. The same, but socks together, heels apart.

3. Repeat with heels apart, toes together.

4. Resemble the outer, then the inner sides of the foot.

Sitting:

1.