Where do seizures come from and what to do with them

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Some seizures are harmless and some cause respiratory arrest.

What are seizures

A cramp is a sudden and most often involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. Usually the legs cramp: the muscles of the back of the calf, as well as the front and back of the thigh, are affected. But the muscles of the arms, wrists, abdominal wall, and shoulder girdle are not insured either.

In most cases, doctors consider this condition, although painful, but harmless. Especially if the muscle spasm is of a one-time nature and does not last long. However, there are combinations of symptoms that require an urgent visit to the doctor.

But first, let's take a look at the most common causes of seizures.

Why do seizures happen?

Where muscle spasm comes from is not completely clear to science. Often the cause is never established (however, if the convulsion is one-time, we don't really try).

But there are situations that often precede the spasm. Here are seven of the most common causes of What Causes Muscle Cramp? convulsions.

1. Muscle strain

Often, cramps are the result of an overly vigorous approach to equipment in the gym. The resulting sprains and other microtraumas during the healing process can be accompanied by Sprains and Strains not only pain (sore throat), but also muscle cramps.

2. Circulatory disorders

A classic example is tunnel syndrome. This is the scourge of those who spend too much time with a computer mouse in hand. Due to the constant, fixed and unnatural position of the wrist, blood circulation in the muscles is impaired. The consequence of this can be both pain and muscle weakness, and cramps.

A couple more common special cases:

• Uncomfortable shoes … Shoes with unusually high heels, uncomfortable last, flip flops, which have to be held on the foot, tucking the toes. The muscles become so accustomed to the unnatural tension that then, when you finally get rid of the "Spanish boot", they cannot relax, they are cramped.
• Uncomfortable sleeping position … Stiff arms, legs, neck - all this is also a sign of poor circulation and can provoke cramps at night.

3. Overheating and / or dehydration

It doesn't matter what exactly caused the overheating: summer heat, intense physical activity, or, let's say, a high temperature due to infections. The main thing is that along with the sweat released, the body loses not only moisture, but also electrolytes, which are necessary for the correct transmission of nerve impulses. Muscles react to this, including cramps.

4. Mineral depletion

A lack of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can interfere with muscle relaxation. And this leads to seizures.

5. Nervous strain or neurological disorders

In these conditions, it is often difficult for the muscles to relax. You already know about the consequences.

6. Pregnancy

Leg cramps are familiar to many expectant mothers. The reasons for this are still not entirely clear to the doctors. What causes leg cramps during pregnancy, and can they be prevented? …

7. Certain diseases and taking certain medications

Muscle spasms are often associated with ailments such as diabetes, kidney problems, and thyroid disorders. They can also be a side effect of certain medications Why Is My Leg Cramping? What Can Help? … For example, furosemide and other diuretics, as well as drugs for the treatment of angina pectoris, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and others.

What to do with seizures

Fortunately, cramps are relatively easy to get rid of in most cases. Here are some common Muscle cramp first aid measures.

1. Stretch the affected muscle, give a light massage

This will help the spasmodic muscle relax. For example, very common leg cramps can be relieved by sitting down, straightening your legs and pulling the toe of the affected limb towards you.

2. Use cold or hot compresses

Apply a towel or a sheet with a heating element soaked in warm water to the muscle. You can take a warm bath or do a hydromassage by directing jets of water from the shower to the spasmodic muscle.

Cold will be no less effective. Wrap a bag of ice or frozen vegetables in a towel and gently massage the muscle.

3. Take pain reliever

For example, Charley Horse ibuprofen. It will also help to relax the spasmodic muscle.

When seizures are dangerous

Muscle spasm can be a symptom of a serious malfunction in the work of an internal organ or the body as a whole. For example, cirrhosis of the liver, type I diabetes mellitus, developing neurological disorders, in particular epilepsy, often make themselves felt with convulsions.

There is another danger as well. A spasm can affect not only large muscles, but also smooth muscles that make up the membranes of internal organs. Spasms of these muscles are sometimes deadly. For example, a spasm of the bronchi can lead to respiratory arrest, and a spasm of the coronary arteries can lead to poor performance, or even cardiac arrest.

The Mayo Clinic Research Center recommends Muscle cramp seek medical attention as soon as possible if the seizures:

1. They happen often - several times a day or several days in a row. This is a reason to be wary and consult a specialist.
2. Causes severe, almost unbearable discomfort.
3. They are accompanied by edema, redness or any other changes in the color and structure of the skin.
4. Combined with high fever and headache.
5. Cause severe muscle weakness.

If you do not observe any of the listed symptoms, you can exhale: most likely, spasms will not threaten you with anything dangerous. Nevertheless, it is still worthwhile to figure out their origin. At least in order to rid yourself of similar painful sensations in the future.

How to treat seizures

If the cramps cause you discomfort (wake you up at night or lasts a long time, despite massage and compresses), go to the therapist. To identify abnormalities in the body, the doctor will ask you a few questions. For example:

1. How often do you have seizures?
2. What muscles do they affect?
3. Are you taking any medications?
4. How often do you drink alcohol?
5. What is your lifestyle and physical activity?
6. How much liquid do you drink daily?

For a more complete diagnosis, blood and urine tests may be required. With their help, the doctor will find out the level of trace elements, and will also be able to check the condition of the kidneys and thyroid gland. In some cases, electromyography is prescribed. This is a test that measures muscle activity and diagnoses existing abnormalities in their work.

As a result, the doctor will establish a disease, the symptom of which is convulsions, and prescribe specific treatment.

How to prevent seizures

Given the most common causes of muscle cramps, prevention is obvious:

1. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Don't overuse alcohol. Among other things, it is a powerful diuretic and causes fluid loss.
3. Warm up regularly to avoid circulatory problems.
4. Wear comfortable shoes.
5. Try to avoid stress and nervous strain. You should have adequate rest and sleep.
6. Make sure your diet is complete and includes foods rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium: sour milk, cereals, leafy greens, nuts, and so on.
7. Take minerals and supplements as needed. Naturally, do this after consulting a therapist.