Why do seizures foam at the mouth?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-31

Foaming at the mouth during a seizure is a common phenomenon, but why does it happen?Let's find out.

During a seizure, neurons in the brain suddenly have abnormal electrical activity, which can cause the body's muscles to contract or twitch suddenly. This sudden tension of the muscles causes abnormal movement of the respiratory muscles, which sometimes leads to excessive saliva production. When the mouth is unable to swallow these saliva properly, it can lead to foaming at the mouth.

In addition, during a seizure, the respiratory system may be affected due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, resulting in shortness or irregularity of breathing, which can also be one of the reasons for foaming at the mouth.

However, foaming at the mouth is not an inevitable manifestation of all seizures, and not all patients will experience this symptom. Some people may experience other symptoms during an attack, such as straight eyes, body twitching, loss of consciousness, etc.

If you or someone close to you has a seizure accompanied by foaming at the mouth, don't panic too much. After the seizure is over, stay calm, make sure the patient is safe, move sharp objects nearby, make sure the head is not injured, and put the patient in a comfortable position as soon as possible. If the person does not stop having convulsions for a long time or has frequent seizures, seek immediate medical attention.

Overall, foaming at the mouth is a common manifestation during seizures, but not all patients experience it. Understanding this phenomenon can help you better cope with seizures and provide patients with timely help and support.

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