Convulsing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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convulsing
[kənˈvʌl.sɪŋ ]
Definition
medical condition
Convulsing refers to the act of experiencing involuntary contractions of muscles, often resulting in violent tremors or seizures. It can occur due to various medical conditions, including epilepsy, fever, or other triggering factors that affect the brain.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The patient began convulsing after the sudden onset of the seizure.
- During the intense storm, several animals were found convulsing due to fear.
- He was convulsing on the ground, prompting immediate medical attention.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medical Science
- Convulsing often indicates a seizure, which is a sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
- Epilepsy is a common condition where people might experience convulsions due to abnormal brain activity.
- Certain illnesses, like high fevers in children, can also lead to convulsions known as febrile seizures.
Neuroscience
- The brain's neurotransmitters can trigger convulsions if there's an imbalance, highlighting the brain's delicate chemistry.
- Stress and fatigue can lead to muscle spasms that feel like convulsing, revealing the body's reactions to mental states.
Culture
- In some cultures, convulsing can be seen during traditional dances, representing spiritual ecstasy.
- Historical accounts describe individuals who convulsed in response to extreme religious fervor, interpreted as divine inspiration.
Psychology
- Severe anxiety or panic can manifest as physical convulsing, a reminder of the mind-body connection.
- Post-traumatic stress may trigger convulsions in individuals as a response to recalled traumatic experiences.
Literature
- Authors often describe characters in emotional turmoil as 'convulsing,' adding a dramatic element to portray despair or upheaval.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters sometimes exhibit convulsions to symbolize madness or extreme emotional distress.
Origin of 'convulsing'
The word 'convulsing' comes from the Latin 'convulsus', which means 'to pull violently'. It is derived from 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'vulsus', the past participle of 'vultare', which means 'to pull or wrench'. The term has been in use since the mid-17th century, initially to describe physical spasms, particularly in a medical context related to seizures. Over time, it has broadened to include a range of involuntary muscle contractions, not just those associated with seizures, and has become a common term in both medical and colloquial settings to describe extreme physical reactions.