Tonic convulsions. Symptoms and how to deal with them

Quite a large number of people constantly or occasionally encounter such a phenomenon as seizures. Most often, they appear in the lower leg, but can affect other parts of the body. Let’s try to figure out the reason for their appearance, types and therapy.

Convulsive contraction concept

A seizure is a muscle contraction that occurs involuntarily and paroxysmal. In this case, a sharp pain arises, from which you want to get rid of as soon as possible. Most often, spasms affect the striated muscles, the nature of such contractions is different, such as their intensity and duration.

To combat such phenomena, it is necessary to know not only the symptoms, but also the reason why they occur. We will talk about this further.

Varieties of involuntary contractions

Such states differ from each other not only by the nature of origin, but also by duration, taking this into account, they are divided into the following types:

1. Tonic convulsions.
2. Clonic seizures.
3. Tonic-clonic seizures, they are also called mixed type.
4. Hyperthermic ones are usually at very high temperatures.

To cope with any of these types of involuntary contractions, you need to find out the reason for their occurrence.

What can provoke a muscle spasm?

Many do not even realize how an extensive list of reasons can cause such an unpleasant phenomenon. Here are the main ones:

1. Violation in the blood is most often of an electrolyte nature.
2. Lack of some trace elements. Usually it is calcium, magnesium, potassium.
3. Vitamin D deficiency.
4. Tonic cramps can be caused by a lack of oxygen in some areas.
5. Great muscle strain, which can be observed in musicians, tailors.
6. Blood sugar is too low.
7. With osteochondrosis, compression of the nerve endings can occur, which can lead to such consequences.
8. Viral diseases with infectious damage to nerve fibers. 
9. Childhood illnesses accompanied by high fever.
10. Toxic processes in the body, which can be caused by: renal failure, intake of toxic substances, problems in the work of the adrenal glands.
11. Heatstroke.
12. Hysterical states.
13. With violations in the motor area of ​​the brain, which can be observed after a stroke.
14. Intoxication of the body with alcohol.
15. The usual overwork.
16. Genetic predisposition.

It is sometimes difficult to independently determine the cause of this condition, so it is advisable to visit a doctor to undergo a full examination. 

The difference between tonic and clonic seizures

And now it is necessary to understand how clonic seizures differ from tonic ones. We have already found out that in such conditions, involuntary muscle contraction occurs, but it has a different nature, differs in its strength and duration of the course.

With tonic contractions, spasms are of a prolonged nature without periods of relaxation. The duration is usually at least 3-5 minutes. Tonic convulsions most often capture the striated muscles of the limbs, face, neck, trunk.

If involuntary contractions are replaced by relaxation, then these are clonic convulsions. They are usually smoother than the first variety. Such contraction can be local, affecting the respiratory muscles, leading to stuttering.

Symptoms of tonic contractions

Tonic seizures can be local or generalized. Their manifestation depends on this. If there is a local contraction of muscle fibers, then the following symptoms appear:

• severe and sharp pain;
• muscle spasm;
• muscles become hard to the touch;
• if the muscles of the face are involved, then facial expressions change significantly.

Generalized contractions involve the limbs, trunk, face and neck. In this case, the following clear signs can be observed:

• arms bent;
• muscles are tense;
• unnaturally elongated body;
• the head is thrown back;
• legs are straightened;
• in rare cases, loss of consciousness occurs.

Quite often, such manifestations occur in patients with epilepsy, but other pathologies can provoke them:

• rabies;
• tetanus;
• hysteria;
• uremia and others.

If cramps occur due to a serious pathology, then appropriate treatment is necessary, but with rare involuntary contractions in the legs, you can try to help yourself at least before visiting a doctor. 

How to get rid of cramps in the limbs?

There are many ways to help you manage this painful condition.

1. In a prone position, stretch your leg, and pull the toe towards you.
2. Try to stand on a cold floor and take a few steps.
3. You can rub the muscle with a warming ointment.
4. Taking “Aspirin” should help, it improves blood circulation.

If convulsive contractions appear due to a lack of trace elements, then doctors advise taking the following drugs:

• ” Asparkam “;
• ” Calcium lactate “;
• ” Kaltsiomaks “.

It must be remembered that frequent spasms can indicate serious pathologies, therefore, one cannot do without consulting a specialist.

Traditional medicine against involuntary muscle contraction

In the bins of traditional healers there are recipes for the treatment of almost all diseases. To get rid of seizures, you can use the following remedies.

1. Rub lemon juice into the shin and foot, wait until completely dry. Do this procedure for 2 weeks in the morning and in the evening.
2. Prepare an ointment from celandine juice and petroleum jelly in a 1: 2 ratio and rub the muscle overnight for two weeks.
3. An infusion of pharmacy chamomile will also help to cope with this unpleasant phenomenon. To prepare it, you need to take 1 tablespoon of chamomile and pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 40 minutes. Take throughout the day between meals, and on the second day steam 2 tablespoons of raisins with 0.5 liters of boiling water (it is advisable to leave the raisins to steam overnight), drink instead of tea, and then eat raisins.
4. Traditional healers recommend using a regular magnet to get rid of this condition, which must be applied to the spasmodic muscle.
5. Mustard oil is good for treating involuntary spasms.

Folk recipes can be cited indefinitely, but it is better to find out the reason for such a condition so that the treatment does not give a short-term effect, but helps to get rid of this ailment forever.

Prevention of convulsive contractions

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat later, the same can be attributed to involuntary painful muscle contractions. In order to prevent their appearance, it is advisable to observe the following recommendations. 

1. Introduce foods rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium into your diet. There are more lactic acid foods, bananas, raisins.
2. Get rid of bad habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol.
3. Do not overuse coffee and strong tea.
4. Fight hypodynamia, move more.
5. Avoid excessive muscle and nervous strain.

These simple guidelines will help you stay healthy and beautiful all the time. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!