Poisoning can cause seizures, representing a serious medical emergency. Poisoning refers to exposure to a substance harmful to the body, through ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, or injection. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, leading to changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness.
How Poisons Trigger Seizures
Poisons disrupt the brain’s normal electrical activity through various mechanisms, leading to seizures. Many toxic substances interfere with neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers. For instance, some poisons can inhibit gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that normally calms brain activity. When GABA’s function is reduced, the brain experiences excessive excitation, potentially triggering a seizure.
Other toxins can overstimulate excitatory neurotransmitters like acetylcholine or glutamate, leading to a surge of electrical signals. This overstimulation can overwhelm the brain’s regulatory systems, resulting in uncontrolled neuronal firing. Poisons may also directly affect ion channels, such as those for sodium or calcium, crucial for nerve impulse transmission. Disruptions to these channels can cause neurons to fire erratically.
Some substances induce metabolic disturbances, like reducing oxygen supply to the brain (hypoxia) or lowering blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), both of which can impair brain function and induce seizure activity.
Common Substances That Can Induce Seizures
Various common substances, if encountered in toxic amounts, can lead to seizures by disrupting brain chemistry. Certain medications, when taken improperly or in overdose, are frequent culprits. For example, some antidepressants, antihistamines, and even common pain relievers like tramadol can lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.
Illicit drugs, including stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, are known for inducing seizures due to their profound effects on brain neurotransmitters. Household products pose another significant risk, especially if ingested accidentally. Cleaning agents, particularly those with corrosive chemicals, can cause severe systemic effects and neurological complications.
Pesticides, designed to interfere with insect nervous systems, can disrupt human neurological function if exposure is significant. Antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, produces toxic metabolites that can cause severe metabolic acidosis and central nervous system effects, including seizures. Certain plants like water hemlock and jimsonweed contain potent neurotoxins that can trigger seizures if consumed. Heavy metals like lead or mercury, when accumulated or from acute exposure, can exert neurotoxic effects culminating in seizure activity.
Recognizing Poisoning-Induced Seizures
Identifying a seizure potentially caused by poisoning involves observing both general seizure symptoms and specific signs of toxic exposure. General seizure symptoms include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled jerking movements, confusion, and sometimes foaming at the mouth. Loss of bladder or bowel control may also occur.
When poisoning is the underlying cause, additional indicators may be present. These include unusual odors on the person’s breath (e.g., chemical or fruity), or burns around the mouth if a corrosive substance was ingested. Empty containers of medications, household products, or other substances nearby offer a crucial clue.
Specific changes in pupil size, altered skin color (e.g., bluish or pale), or significant nausea and vomiting preceding the seizure can also suggest poisoning.
Immediate Actions for Suspected Poisoning and Seizures
If poisoning is suspected to have caused a seizure, immediate action is paramount. First, call emergency services, such as 911, without delay. While waiting for responders, contact a poison control center; the national, toll-free Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222, connecting you to local experts for guidance.
During the seizure, prioritize the person’s safety by moving any objects away that could cause injury. Gently cushion their head with something soft, like a jacket or pillow, and loosen any tight clothing around their neck. Do not restrain the person or place anything in their mouth, as this can cause harm.
When emergency personnel arrive, provide as much information as possible, including what substance was involved, amount taken, and when exposure occurred. Any known medical history, age, or weight can also be helpful. Remain with the individual until professional medical help is on site.