A temporary series of uncontrollable muscle spasms brought on by unusual electrical activity in the brain.

Also known as convulsion, clonic seizure, or tonic-clonic seizure.

A seizure is characterized by a sudden episode of un- controllable brain activity. The intense, involuntary muscular contractions that often accompany seizures are referred to as convulsions. Seizures normally last three to five minutes, with a period of unconsciousness that may last for up to 30 minutes.

Seizures can result from a chronic condition, such as epilepsy. Alternatively, convulsions may be related to an acute condition, such as a high fever, adverse reaction to medication, or infection. In childhood, the most common cause of convulsion, or seizure, is high fever. Seizures triggered by fever are referred to as febrile seizures. Seizures can also result from encephalitis, meningitis, otitis media (middle ear infection), or from the ingestion of large doses of drugs, such as antidepressants...