What are the different types of seizures. How do medical professionals classify epilepsy syndromes. What diagnostic tools are used for epilepsy. What treatment options are available for people with epilepsy. How does epilepsy impact daily life.

Types of Seizures: From Absence to Tonic-Clonic

Seizures are complex neurological events that can manifest in various ways. 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: Brief Lapses in Awareness

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are characterized by brief periods of altered consciousness. These typically last between 2-20 seconds and are often accompanied by subtle physical signs:

• Blank stares
• Brief loss of awareness
• Possible eye blinking

Primarily affecting children, absence seizures are often outgrown and can be effectively managed with medication. How do absence seizures differ from other types? Unlike convulsive seizures, absence seizures don’t involve obvious physical movements, making them harder to detect without close observation.

Atonic Seizures: The “Drop Attack” Phenomenon

Atonic seizures are characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone, often resulting in:

• Dropping objects from hands
• Sudden falls
• Potential injuries due to unexpected collapses

These seizures can be particularly dangerous due to the risk of injury from falls. How can one mitigate the risks associated with atonic seizures? Protective gear, such as helmets, and modifications to the living environment can help reduce the risk of injury during these episodes.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures: The Most Recognized Form

Formerly known as grand mal seizures, tonic-clonic seizures are perhaps the most widely recognized type of epileptic seizure. They involve two distinct phases:

1. Tonic phase: Body stiffening and loss of consciousness
2. Clonic phase: Rhythmic jerking movements

These seizures can be particularly distressing for both the individual experiencing them and observers. Why are tonic-clonic seizures considered more severe than other types? The loss of consciousness and risk of injury during falls make these seizures potentially more dangerous, often requiring immediate medical attention.

Epilepsy Syndromes: Beyond Individual Seizures

Epilepsy is not a single condition but a spectrum of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Medical professionals often classify epilepsy into specific syndromes based on a cluster of symptoms, age of onset, and other factors. Let’s examine some notable epilepsy syndromes:

Benign Focal Epilepsy of Childhood: A Treatable Condition

This epilepsy syndrome, primarily affecting children, is characterized by:

• Focal aware seizures during sleep
• Changes around the face or tongue
• Gurgling noises
• Rapid facial muscle movements

Despite its alarming presentation, this syndrome is generally considered benign. Why is this epilepsy syndrome considered “benign”? It’s usually easily controlled with medication, often infrequent enough to be left untreated, and typically outgrown by puberty.

Catamenial Epilepsy: The Menstrual Connection

Catamenial epilepsy refers to the tendency for some individuals with epilepsy to experience increased seizure activity around the time of menstruation. This phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between hormones and seizure thresholds. How does this impact treatment approaches? Management of catamenial epilepsy often involves a combination of anti-epileptic drugs and hormonal therapies to address the cyclical nature of seizure occurrence.

Diagnostic Tools and Techniques in Epilepsy

Accurate diagnosis of epilepsy and identification of specific seizure types rely on a combination of clinical observation and advanced diagnostic tools. Let’s explore some key diagnostic techniques:

EEG: Mapping Brain Electrical Activity

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a cornerstone of epilepsy diagnosis. It records the electrical activity of the brain, helping to:

• Identify abnormal brain wave patterns
• Localize the origin of seizures
• Guide treatment decisions

EEG can be performed in various settings, including ambulatory EEG monitoring for extended periods outside the hospital. How does ambulatory EEG differ from standard EEG? It allows for longer recording periods in a patient’s natural environment, potentially capturing seizure events that might not occur during a brief in-hospital EEG.

Neuroimaging: Visualizing Brain Structure

Neuroimaging techniques provide valuable insights into brain structure and function. Two primary imaging modalities used in epilepsy diagnosis are:

1. Computed Tomography (CT): Uses X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the brain
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of brain tissue

While both techniques can reveal structural abnormalities, MRI typically provides higher resolution images. Why might a doctor choose CT over MRI in some cases? CT scans are faster, less expensive, and can be used in patients with certain types of metal implants that are not MRI-compatible.

Treatment Approaches: From Medication to Surgery

Managing epilepsy often requires a multifaceted approach, tailored to the individual’s specific seizure type, frequency, and impact on daily life. Let’s examine some key treatment strategies:

Anti-Epileptic Drugs: The First Line of Defense

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), also known as anticonvulsants, are the primary treatment for most people with epilepsy. These medications work by:

• Stabilizing nerve cell membranes
• Altering neurotransmitter activity
• Reducing abnormal electrical discharges in the brain

The choice of AED depends on various factors, including seizure type, potential side effects, and individual patient characteristics. How do doctors determine the most appropriate AED for a patient? They consider factors such as seizure type, potential drug interactions, comorbid conditions, and the patient’s lifestyle to select the most suitable medication.

Epilepsy Surgery: When Medications Aren’t Enough

For individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgical interventions may be considered. Some common surgical procedures include:

• Resective surgery: Removal of the epileptogenic zone
• Corpus callosotomy: Cutting the corpus callosum to prevent seizure spread
• Hemispherectomy: Removal of portions of one brain hemisphere

These procedures aim to reduce or eliminate seizures by addressing the underlying structural abnormalities or disrupting seizure pathways. Why isn’t surgery the first-line treatment for all epilepsy cases? Surgical interventions carry inherent risks and are typically reserved for cases where multiple medications have failed to control seizures adequately.

Ketogenic Diet: A Nutritional Approach to Seizure Control

The ketogenic diet, characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, has shown promise in managing certain types of epilepsy, particularly in children. This dietary approach aims to:

• Alter brain metabolism
• Reduce seizure frequency
• Potentially decrease reliance on AEDs

While effective for some, the ketogenic diet requires strict adherence and medical supervision. Why is the ketogenic diet more commonly recommended for children than adults? Children’s brains are more adaptable to metabolic changes, and the diet has shown particular efficacy in certain pediatric epilepsy syndromes.

Living with Epilepsy: Beyond Seizure Control

Managing epilepsy extends beyond seizure control to encompass various aspects of daily life. Let’s explore some key considerations for individuals living with epilepsy:

Accommodation in the Workplace

Accommodation refers to any change that provides people with disabilities, including epilepsy, an equal opportunity to work. This may include:

• Flexible work schedules
• Modified job duties
• Assistive technologies
• Enhanced safety measures

These accommodations aim to create an inclusive work environment that allows individuals with epilepsy to perform their jobs effectively and safely. How can employers and employees collaborate to implement effective accommodations? Open communication about specific needs, potential triggers, and reasonable adjustments can lead to mutually beneficial solutions.

Managing Seizure Triggers

Identifying and managing seizure triggers is crucial for many individuals with epilepsy. Common triggers may include:

• Stress
• Sleep deprivation
• Certain medications
• Alcohol consumption
• Flashing lights (in photosensitive epilepsy)

Developing strategies to avoid or mitigate these triggers can significantly improve seizure control. How can individuals effectively track their seizure triggers? Keeping a detailed seizure diary, noting potential triggers, and discussing patterns with healthcare providers can help identify and manage individual trigger factors.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Epilepsy Management

The field of epilepsy research is dynamic, with ongoing studies exploring new treatment modalities and refining our understanding of seizure mechanisms. Let’s examine some promising areas of research:

Neuromodulation Techniques

Neuromodulation involves using electrical or magnetic stimulation to alter brain activity. Some emerging neuromodulation therapies for epilepsy include:

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
• Responsive neurostimulation (RNS)
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

These techniques aim to interrupt seizure activity or reduce seizure frequency by modulating specific neural pathways. How do these neuromodulation techniques differ from traditional epilepsy treatments? Unlike medications that affect the entire brain, neuromodulation therapies can target specific areas or neural circuits involved in seizure generation.

Genetic Therapies

Advances in genetic research are opening new avenues for personalized epilepsy treatment. Some areas of focus include:

• Gene therapy for specific epilepsy syndromes
• Pharmacogenomics to predict drug responsiveness
• Identification of novel genetic targets for anti-epileptic drugs

These genetic approaches hold promise for more targeted and effective treatments. Why is genetic research particularly important in epilepsy? Many epilepsy syndromes have genetic components, and understanding these genetic factors can lead to more precise diagnoses and tailored treatment strategies.

The Impact of Epilepsy on Mental Health and Quality of Life

Living with epilepsy can have significant psychological and social implications. Understanding and addressing these aspects is crucial for comprehensive epilepsy management. Let’s explore some key considerations:

Anxiety and Depression in Epilepsy

Individuals with epilepsy are at higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. This increased risk may be due to various factors:

• Unpredictability of seizures
• Side effects of anti-epileptic medications
• Social stigma and isolation
• Restrictions on daily activities (e.g., driving)

Addressing mental health concerns is essential for overall well-being and seizure management. How can healthcare providers effectively screen for and address mental health issues in epilepsy patients? Regular psychological assessments, open discussions about mental health, and integrated care models that combine neurological and psychiatric expertise can improve outcomes for individuals with epilepsy.

Social Support and Community Resources

Strong social support networks and access to community resources can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with epilepsy. Some valuable resources include:

• Epilepsy support groups
• Patient education programs
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Advocacy organizations

These resources provide emotional support, practical assistance, and opportunities for connection with others facing similar challenges. How can healthcare providers facilitate access to these resources? By maintaining relationships with local epilepsy organizations and providing patients with information about available support services, healthcare providers can help individuals with epilepsy build robust support networks.

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.