Convulsions and Anticonvulsant Drugs –
These are involuntary muscle contractions.
They cause rapid, uncontrolled movements in the body.
Convulsions are common in epilepsy.
The causes of convulsions include –
- Epileptic seizures – Due to changes in electrical signals in the brain.
- Non-epileptic seizures – These are caused due to psychological illness
- Febrile seizures – These occur in children having high fever.
The common illness with recurrent convulsions-
Epilepsy: causes and symptoms
It is a brain dysfunction.
It happens due to abnormal electrical signals in the brain.
It is the recurrence of seizures.
The different types of seizures-
- Focal seizures-
When the seizure affects one side of the brain.
- Generalized seizures-
When the seizure occurs on both sides of the brain.
The common symptoms of Epilepsy-
- Rigid muscles
- Leg jerking
- Starring spell
- Loss of muscle control
- Repetitive movements
- Loss of bladder functions
- Loss of awareness
- short-term confusion
The causes of epilepsy-
The abnormal conduction in the brain may lead to twitching or seizures.
The causes include-
- Structural changes in the brain – Any changes in the brain anatomy.
Head injury, trauma, strokes, or tumors.
- Family history /genetics – History of seizures in close relatives and genetics.
- Brain infections- infections like meningitis or abscess in the brain.
- Metabolic dysfunction –Fluctuating sugar or changes in neurotransmitter levels.
- Autoimmune disorders – Like ADHD, autism, etc.
The factors that trigger seizures-
- Lack of sleep
- Alcohol
- Smoke
- Illicit drug use
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Skipped meals
What are the anti-epileptic drugs?
Sodium channel blockers – Phenytoin, carbamazepine
It inhibits rapid nerve conduction.
It blocks sodium entry.
GABA boosters – clonazepam, lorazepam
GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms nerve activity.
It reduces the rapid nerve firing.
Calcium channel blockers- Ethosuximide
It blocks the calcium channel.
It reduces nerve firing.
GABA/Glutamate modulators-
These drugs balance the excitatory and the inhibitory chemicals in the brain.
Why is it advised to strictly adhere to anti-epileptic treatment?
It is advised to consistently take epilepsy medicines upon time.
Leaving or altering the dose may cause complications.
- Triggers seizures
- Prolong the length of seizures
- Uncontrolled seizures
What are the side effects of anti-epileptic drugs?
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Stomach upset
- Blurry vision
- Unexpected weight
- Brain fog
- Mood shifts
Severe side effects –
- Severe skin rashes
- Yellowish skin
- Stomach ache
- Unusual bleeding /bruising
- Severe depression
Which is the third-party drug manufacturer of anticonvulsant?
Aprazer Healthcare is the leading pharmaceutical manufacturer.
We manufacture and export a global range of anti-epileptic combinations worldwide.
Accredited and licensed by the global health authorities, our products are trusted and demanded.
We are chosen for our credibility, such as:
- Operational excellence
- Regulatory compliance
- Precision manufacturing
- Advanced infrastructure
