convulsions

involuntary, alternate, rapid, muscular contractions and relaxations that throw the body and limbs into contortions. They are caused by a disturbance of BRAIN function, and in adults usually result from EPILEPSY . In babies and young children they occur quite commonly but, although alarming, are generally not serious. Causes include a high fever because of infection, brain diseases such as MENINGITIS , and breath - holding, which is quite common in infants and very young childern. They are thought to be more common in the very young because the nervous system is immature. Unless they are caused by a disease or infection that requires treatment, they are rarely life - threatening.