drgawek

Drgawek is a term from Polish medical language that refers to convulsive episodes or seizures. In Polish, drgawka means a seizure, and drgawek is the genitive plural form often seen in phrases like napady drgawek, meaning episodes of convulsions. It is not a separate disease, but a descriptive term used when documenting seizure events in patients.

Seizures described as drgawek can be generalized, affecting the whole body, or focal, beginning in a specific region of the brain and spreading. Generalized seizures may involve loss of consciousness, rhythmic jerking, muscle stiffening, and symmetric movements. Focal seizures can cause localized twitching, sensory changes, or autonomic symptoms such as altered heart rate or sweating. Postictal states—confusion, drowsiness, and temporary weakness—often follow a seizure.

Common causes and risk factors include epilepsy, febrile illnesses in children, head injury, brain infections, metabolic or electrolyte disturbances, withdrawal from substances, and certain medications. Triggers may include sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol use, and flashing lights for photosensitive individuals.

Diagnosis typically involves a detailed clinical history, witness descriptions of the event, neurological examination, electroencephalography (EEG), and sometimes neuroimaging or laboratory tests to identify underlying causes. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and may include anticonvulsant medications, management of seizures triggers, rescue medications for prolonged seizures, and treatment of fever or infections when relevant. In emergency situations, lasting more than five minutes or repeated seizures require urgent medical care.

Prognosis varies with the cause and frequency of seizures. For many people with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with medication and lifestyle adjustments.

See also: Epilepsy, Seizure, Convulsion, Febrile seizure.