What should I do if my body experiences seizures after getting COVID-19?

Getting COVID-19 generally refers to infection with the novel coronavirus. Body convulsions during a novel coronavirus infection may be caused by febrile seizures, electrolyte imbalance, hyperventilation syndrome, viral encephalitis, or epileptic seizures. These conditions can be managed through daily care, physical therapy, and medication. It is recommended to seek prompt medical attention and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician.

1. Febrile seizures: After infection, some patients—especially children—may develop high fever, which can trigger convulsions when body temperature rises rapidly. Immediately place the patient on their side, loosen the collar, and keep the airway clear to prevent suffocation. Physical cooling methods such as wiping the forehead, armpits, and groin with lukewarm water can help reduce body temperature.

2. Electrolyte imbalance: During infection, patients may experience imbalances in electrolytes due to fever, sweating, or poor appetite, such as low calcium or low magnesium levels. This increased neuromuscular excitability can lead to convulsions. Replenishing electrolytes through diet—drinking electrolyte-containing beverages or consuming potassium-rich fruits like bananas and oranges—can help restore balance.

3. Hyperventilation syndrome: Anxiety or stress following infection may cause rapid breathing and excessive ventilation, leading to excessive carbon dioxide loss and respiratory alkalosis, which in turn triggers muscle spasms and convulsions. Encourage the patient to relax and breathe calmly. Symptoms can be alleviated by wearing a mask or using a plastic bag over the mouth and nose to allow re-inhalation of exhaled carbon dioxide.

4. Viral encephalitis: The virus may invade the central nervous system, causing viral encephalitis, which leads to abnormal electrical discharges in brain neurons and results in convulsions. Patients often experience headache, fever, impaired consciousness, and vomiting. Under medical supervision, medications such as acyclovir tablets, ganciclovir injection, and mannitol injection may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Epileptic seizures: Patients with a prior history of epilepsy may experience seizure episodes triggered by physiological stress or fever associated with infection, presenting with convulsions, loss of consciousness, clenched jaw, and foaming at the mouth. Lay the patient flat with their head turned to one side to prevent aspiration. As directed by a doctor, anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine tablets, sodium valproate sustained-release tablets, or gabapentin capsules may be used to manage symptoms.

In daily life, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods such as garlic, hot pot, and wasabi. Ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue to support overall health.