Convulsions
Seizures are symptoms of a brain problem. They happen because of sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When people think of seizures, they often think of convulsions in which a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. Not all seizures cause convulsions. There are many types of seizures and some have mild symptoms. Seizures fall into two main groups. Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, happen in just one part of the brain. Generalized seizures are a result of abnormal activity on both sides of the brain.
Most seizures last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes and do not cause lasting harm. However, it is a medical emergency if seizures last longer than 5 minutes or if a person has many seizures and does not wake up between them. Seizures can have many causes, including medicines, high fevers, head injuries and certain diseases. People who have recurring seizures due to a brain disorder have epilepsy.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Convulsions
For infants, a hot bath with remedies directed to the cause. which is often teething or indigestion- Bromides and chloral are the most important remedies, aromatic castor oil being often more useful than any sedative. For adults chloral, or chloroform cautiously inhaled. If hysterical in character, valerian and similar agents. In Puerperal Convulsions, the first indication is to eliminate poisons from the system. Use the hot water pack (keeping head cool ) for diaphoresis; hyd ragogue cathartics (elaterium, croton oil, com pound jalap powder); veratrum viride as arterial sedative; venesec tion if the case demands; Tonic Pilocarpine Compound as a diuretic, or submammary injection of normal salt solution. Control convul sions by cautious inhalations of chloroform, aided by chloral hydrate and potassium bromide. Morphine may be useful, or amyl nitrite. If convulsions complicate labor, deliver child by instrumental means as soon as os is dilated.1
Promote elimination by skin and bowels; Tonic Pilocarpine Com pound, N., B. & Co. with the hot pack for the former; elaterium for the latter. For convulsions, chloral and bromides (Bromanodyne) or chloroform (by inhalation). Vt!ut3S€3Ctl()n must be considered, with the alternative of intravenous injection of normal salt solution.1