CONVULSANT Meaning and
Definition
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A convulsant is a substance or an agent that induces convulsions in the body. Convulsions are involuntary and uncontrollable muscle contractions and spasms that lead to jerking movements, tremors, and seizures. The term "convulsant" is primarily used in the field of medical science and pharmacology.
Convulsants can have various origins, including certain medications, toxins, chemical compounds, and even natural substances. Some convulsants are intentionally administered for therapeutic purposes, such as in the treatment of seizure disorders like epilepsy. These convulsant medications are carefully prescribed and monitored to control and manage seizures in patients. On the other hand, exposure to convulsant toxins or chemicals, either accidentally or intentionally, can result in harmful and dangerous convulsions.
The mechanism of action of convulsants involves affecting the electrical activity of the brain, specifically the neurons responsible for transmitting signals and controlling muscle movements. Convulsants can disrupt the normal balance of neuronal activity and lead to excessive firing or abnormal patterns, triggering convulsions. Consequently, convulsants are classified as excitatory substances, as they stimulate and heighten neuronal activity beyond the body's usual threshold.
As convulsions can pose significant health risks and may be associated with underlying medical conditions or adverse reactions to substances, it is essential to promptly address and manage convulsant-induced symptoms. Medical professionals need to accurately identify the cause of convulsions and provide appropriate interventions and treatments to mitigate the convulsant's effects.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CONVULSANT
- xonvulsant
- vonvulsant
- fonvulsant
- donvulsant
- cinvulsant
- cknvulsant
- clnvulsant
- cpnvulsant
- c0nvulsant
- c9nvulsant
- cobvulsant
- comvulsant
- cojvulsant
- cohvulsant
- conculsant
- conbulsant
- congulsant
- confulsant
- convylsant
- convhlsant
Etymology of CONVULSANT
The word "convulsant" is derived from the Latin word "convulsus", which means "violent shaking" or "convulsion". The Latin word stems from the verb "convellere", which is a combination of the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and "vellere" meaning "to pull". Thus, "convulsant" literally means something that causes violent shaking or convulsions.
Similar spelling words for CONVULSANT
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