What causes sudden convulsions in elderly people over 70, and what should be done?
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Sudden convulsions in elderly people over 70 may be caused by conditions such as calcium deficiency, epilepsy, or encephalitis, and treatment should be based on the specific condition. When epilepsy is present, abnormal electrical discharges in the brain's neurons can lead to limb convulsions. This condition is typically treated under a doctor's guidance with medications such as levetiracetam tablets, lacosamide tablets, or topiramate tablets.
Sudden convulsions in elderly individuals over 70 years old may be caused by conditions such as calcium deficiency, epilepsy, encephalitis, and other diseases, requiring specific treatments based on the underlying cause. Details are as follows:
1. Calcium Deficiency
With aging, the body's metabolic rate declines, potentially leading to insufficient calcium levels. Low calcium increases neuromuscular excitability, which can result in muscle spasms. Calcium supplementation can be achieved under medical guidance using medications such as Longmu Zhaunggu Granules, Calcium Gluconate and Zinc Oral Solution, or Calcium Carbonate D3 Granules.
2. Epilepsy
In epilepsy, abnormal electrical discharges occur in the brain's neurons, causing limb convulsions. Treatment typically involves anti-seizure medications prescribed by a doctor, such as Levetiracetam Tablets, Lacosamide Tablets, or Topiramate Tablets.
3. Encephalitis
Encephalitis is usually caused by pathogenic infections. Inflammatory factors in the body stimulate motor neurons to discharge abnormally, leading to whole-body convulsions in elderly patients, often accompanied by fever and impaired consciousness. Antiviral treatment in a hospital setting may include intravenous Cytarabine for Injection, Vidarabine Injection, or Ganciclovir for Injection.
In addition, sudden convulsions in the elderly could also be due to other conditions such as brain abscess, tuberculoma of the brain, or cerebral edema. It is recommended to promptly take the patient to the hospital for evaluation and appropriate treatment based on the specific diagnosis.
