First Aid for Convulsion

A convulsion is an attack of unconsciousness usually of violet onset. In an infant or small child, a convulsion may occur at the onset of an acute infectious disease, particularly during a period of high fever or severe gastrointestinal illness. Convulsions that develop later in the course of measles, mumps, and other childhood disease are more serious and might reflect complications of the central nervous system.

Convulsion associated with head injury or brain disease, such as a tumor, an abscess, or a hemorrhage, often tend to be localized, with rigidity and jerking of groups of muscles instead of the whole body.

Signs and Symptoms of Convulsion

1. 1. Rigidity of body muscles, usually lasting from a few seconds to perhaps half a minute, followed by jerking movements. During the period of rigidity, the victim may stop breathing, bite his tongue severely, and lose bladder and bowel control.
2. 2. Bluish discoloration of the face and lips.
3. 3. Foaming at the mouth or drooling.
4. 4. Gradual subsidence.

First Aid for Convulsion

1. Prevent victim from hurting himself.
2. Give artificial respiration, if indicated.
3. Do not place a blunt object between the victim’s teeth.
4. Do not restrain him.
5. Do not pour any liquid into his mouth.
6. Do not place a child in a tub of water.

If repeated convulsions occur, call for medical help immediately or take the victim to a hospital.

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