Convulsions are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, or consciousness. They often result in muscle spasms, shaking, or loss of awareness. Convulsions can occur in various medical conditions, including epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
During a convulsion, the body may stiffen or jerk, and the person may lose consciousness. The duration of a convulsion can vary, typically lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. Afterward, individuals may feel confused or tired, a state known as the postictal phase.