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
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Convulsions
ABSINTHIUM (Artemisia absinthium)ARAB3
The flowering tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae); Europe, Siberia, Barbary, Newfoundland, and the United... / ...r ones produce headache, and still larger doses induce cerebral disturbances and clonic hysteroidal convulsions. Victims of absinthism, a vicious form of drunkenness, are subject to disturbed rest, wi... / ...used for the expulsion of the intestinal parasites-Ascaris vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides. The oil may be given in doses of 1 to 5 drops. 1
The flowering tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae); Europe, Siberia, Barbary, Newfoundland, and the United... / ...r ones produce headache, and still larger doses induce cerebral disturbances and clonic hysteroidal convulsions. Victims of absinthism, a vicious form of drunkenness, are subject to disturbed rest, wi... / ...used for the expulsion of the intestinal parasites-Ascaris vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides. The oil may be given in doses of 1 to 5 drops. 1
ADONIS VERNALIS
The whole plant of Adonis vernalis, Linné. (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). Southern Europe, Siberia, and Labrador. Dose, 1/2 to 3 grains. Common Name:... / ...Wilcox used it in chronic albuminuria, with pale urine and delirium with good results and in uremic convulsions, which had been frequent, without a return of the eclampsia for two years, when the pati...1
The whole plant of Adonis vernalis, Linné. (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). Southern Europe, Siberia, and Labrador. Dose, 1/2 to 3 grains. Common Name:... / ...Wilcox used it in chronic albuminuria, with pale urine and delirium with good results and in uremic convulsions, which had been frequent, without a return of the eclampsia for two years, when the pati...1
ALLIUM SATIVUM
The bulb of Allium sativum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Sicily, Asia Minor, and Central Asia; cultivated also in the United States and Europe.... / ...s been successful as a revulsant in brain and cerebro-spinal disorders of children, associated with convulsions. Internal. Expectorant and diuretic. The juice or the syrup (made by covering bruised ga...1
The bulb of Allium sativum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Sicily, Asia Minor, and Central Asia; cultivated also in the United States and Europe.... / ...s been successful as a revulsant in brain and cerebro-spinal disorders of children, associated with convulsions. Internal. Expectorant and diuretic. The juice or the syrup (made by covering bruised ga...1
CAMPHORA
A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) derived from Cinnamomum Camphora. (Linné), Nees et Ebermeier (Nat. Ord. Lauraceae). China and... / ...rmittent pulse, cold skin, cold sweat, and muscular weakness followed by rigidity and epileptiform. convulsions, collapse and death. The type of convulsions shows its effects to be chiefly upon the ce... / ...due to gaseous distention of the stomach, or to nervous irritability. In occipital headache, from mental strain, or overstudy, small doses of 1
A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) derived from Cinnamomum Camphora. (Linné), Nees et Ebermeier (Nat. Ord. Lauraceae). China and... / ...rmittent pulse, cold skin, cold sweat, and muscular weakness followed by rigidity and epileptiform. convulsions, collapse and death. The type of convulsions shows its effects to be chiefly upon the ce... / ...due to gaseous distention of the stomach, or to nervous irritability. In occipital headache, from mental strain, or overstudy, small doses of 1
CANNABIS
The dried flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, Linné, or the variety indica, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae). Asia, East... / ...ile the ultimate effects of the drug in some result in tremor, great weakness, loss of appetite and convulsions, no deaths have been known to occur in man from this drug. The effect upon Caucasians is... / ...of the urino-genital tract and relieves pain. For the first condition it is invaluable in more or less painful conditions in which opium see1
The dried flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, Linné, or the variety indica, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae). Asia, East... / ...ile the ultimate effects of the drug in some result in tremor, great weakness, loss of appetite and convulsions, no deaths have been known to occur in man from this drug. The effect upon Caucasians is... / ...of the urino-genital tract and relieves pain. For the first condition it is invaluable in more or less painful conditions in which opium see1
CONDURANGO
The bark of Gonolobus Cundurango, Triana (Marsdenia Condurango, Reichenbach) (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). South America, especially Ecuador. Common Names: Cundurango, Eagle Vine,... / ... the nervous system, inducing in animals, impaired appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, muscular weakness, convulsions, and paralysis.1
The bark of Gonolobus Cundurango, Triana (Marsdenia Condurango, Reichenbach) (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). South America, especially Ecuador. Common Names: Cundurango, Eagle Vine,... / ... the nervous system, inducing in animals, impaired appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, muscular weakness, convulsions, and paralysis.1
CONIUM
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...nding paralysis, difficult and labored articulation, dyspnea, dilated pupils, palpebral ptosis, and convulsions terminating in death. In rare instances coma ensues, but usually consciousness and the i... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...nding paralysis, difficult and labored articulation, dyspnea, dilated pupils, palpebral ptosis, and convulsions terminating in death. In rare instances coma ensues, but usually consciousness and the i... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
ELATERIUM
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...let fever, if the patient is not greatly exhausted; and it is more especially indicated when uremic convulsions threaten or are present. Elaterium is a useful purgative when a revulsive is needed in c... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...let fever, if the patient is not greatly exhausted; and it is more especially indicated when uremic convulsions threaten or are present. Elaterium is a useful purgative when a revulsive is needed in c... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
GELSEMIUM
...cant secretion of urine; arterial throbbing, with exalted sensibility; pinched, contracted tissues; convulsions, with hyperaemia; thin, dry, unyielding os uteri, with dry and hot vaginal walls. Action......b the circulation. Toxic doses, however, depress both the pulse rate and the blood pressure. In man convulsions do not occur. Both gelsemium and gelsemine, when dropped into the eye, cause violent dil...1
...cant secretion of urine; arterial throbbing, with exalted sensibility; pinched, contracted tissues; convulsions, with hyperaemia; thin, dry, unyielding os uteri, with dry and hot vaginal walls. Action......b the circulation. Toxic doses, however, depress both the pulse rate and the blood pressure. In man convulsions do not occur. Both gelsemium and gelsemine, when dropped into the eye, cause violent dil...1
HELLEBORUS
The root of Helleborus niger, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae.) Subalpine woods of central and southern Europe. Dose, 1 to 10 grains. Common... / ...ion and Therapy.Hellebore is a powerful gastro-intestinal and nerve poison, and produces death by convulsions and exhaustion. Small doses stimulate the heart. Large doses are drastically cathartic, ...1
The root of Helleborus niger, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae.) Subalpine woods of central and southern Europe. Dose, 1 to 10 grains. Common... / ...ion and Therapy.Hellebore is a powerful gastro-intestinal and nerve poison, and produces death by convulsions and exhaustion. Small doses stimulate the heart. Large doses are drastically cathartic, ...1
HYDRASTISHYDRA2
The dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae) United States and Canada in rich, shady woods. (Chiefly... / ...tis alkaloids, particularly hydrastine, are actively poisonous to certain animals, producing spinal convulsions followed by paralysis, lowered blood pressure succeeded by a marked rise, and death. Upo... / ...The preparation preferred is the colorless, though other hydrastis preparations, particularly berberine and hydrastin salts are useful, b1
The dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae) United States and Canada in rich, shady woods. (Chiefly... / ...tis alkaloids, particularly hydrastine, are actively poisonous to certain animals, producing spinal convulsions followed by paralysis, lowered blood pressure succeeded by a marked rise, and death. Upo... / ...The preparation preferred is the colorless, though other hydrastis preparations, particularly berberine and hydrastin salts are useful, b1
JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS
The fruit (berries) of the Juniperus communis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). An evergreen tree of Europe and America. Common Names: Juniper, Juniper Berries. Principal... / ... doses larger than recommended above, as suppression of urine, strangury, hematuria, or even uremic convulsions may result from its use.1
The fruit (berries) of the Juniperus communis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). An evergreen tree of Europe and America. Common Names: Juniper, Juniper Berries. Principal... / ... doses larger than recommended above, as suppression of urine, strangury, hematuria, or even uremic convulsions may result from its use.1
LOBELIALOBEL
The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ...g from heart to left shoulder and arm; spasmodic muscular contraction; muscular rigidity; infantile convulsions from irritation of the bowels, or from respiratory obstruction; hysterical convulsions; ...1
The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ...g from heart to left shoulder and arm; spasmodic muscular contraction; muscular rigidity; infantile convulsions from irritation of the bowels, or from respiratory obstruction; hysterical convulsions; ...1
MATRICARIA
...ile dyspepsia, and when teething the child cries out in sleep and there is sometimes a tendency to convulsions. This condition it may ward off by controlling the nervous excitation, but it is of litt......is condition it may ward off by controlling the nervous excitation, but it is of little value after convulsions occur. Sometimes a gently laxative dose of sodium phosphate preceding or accompanying th...1
...ile dyspepsia, and when teething the child cries out in sleep and there is sometimes a tendency to convulsions. This condition it may ward off by controlling the nervous excitation, but it is of litt......is condition it may ward off by controlling the nervous excitation, but it is of little value after convulsions occur. Sometimes a gently laxative dose of sodium phosphate preceding or accompanying th...1
NUX VOMICA
...or excitement as to render them extremely responsive to the slightest stimuli, resulting in tetanic convulsions. Most likely it also feebly stimulates the sensory tracts and slightly increases the pow...... of the whole body are observed. Suddenly there is violent starting of the muscles, and the ensuing convulsions are of such great violence as to throw the patient off the bed, or to a considerable dis......at all stages of the poisoning except just preceding death. During the intervals of repose from the convulsions there is acute sensibility and dreadful alarm. Upon the renewal of attack the patient ma...1
...or excitement as to render them extremely responsive to the slightest stimuli, resulting in tetanic convulsions. Most likely it also feebly stimulates the sensory tracts and slightly increases the pow...... of the whole body are observed. Suddenly there is violent starting of the muscles, and the ensuing convulsions are of such great violence as to throw the patient off the bed, or to a considerable dis......at all stages of the poisoning except just preceding death. During the intervals of repose from the convulsions there is acute sensibility and dreadful alarm. Upon the renewal of attack the patient ma...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Convulsions
BROMIDES
Since the medicinal action of the several alkaline bromides is es sentially the same, and they are frequently prescribed in combina tion, they are grouped here under a single head. They are sedative to the cerebro-spinal centers and hence employed in epilepsy, in in fantile convulsions, in tetanus, in strychnine poisoning, in whooping cough and generally for quieting nervous excitement and in particu lar sexual erethism. In epilepsy a combination of two or more brom ides often gives better resul2
Since the medicinal action of the several alkaline bromides is es sentially the same, and they are frequently prescribed in combina tion, they are grouped here under a single head. They are sedative to the cerebro-spinal centers and hence employed in epilepsy, in in fantile convulsions, in tetanus, in strychnine poisoning, in whooping cough and generally for quieting nervous excitement and in particu lar sexual erethism. In epilepsy a combination of two or more brom ides often gives better resul2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Convulsions
CONVULSIONS
...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 ca......ntrol 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.2
...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 ca......ntrol 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.2
UREMIA
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.2
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.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.