Convulsions arise from so many diverse causes that it is impossible to indicate more than what is to be done during the fit and prior to the arrival of the physician.

When the attack comes on, the child must be undressed at once and plunged into a hot bath for five minutes; this bath must contain enough mustard flour to stimulate the skin thoroughly. This usually restores consciousness and checks the muscular twitching. Should there be a distinct history of overloading of the stomach, give an emetic of ipecacuanha, and after this has operated, a purgative dose of castor oil. One or more doses of bromide of potassium, five to ten grains, according to the age, may also be safely given; this salt must always be administered in solution.