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convulsión means seizure / convulsion — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 24, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

convulsión

noun • /[kon-bool-SYON]/

seizure / convulsion

Example:

El niño tuvo una convulsión febril.

The child had a febrile seizure.

🧠 What does convulsión mean?

Convulsión translates to "seizure" or "convulsion" in English. It refers to a sudden, involuntary contraction of muscles, often associated with neurological conditions like epilepsy. It can involve a loss of consciousness, uncontrolled movements, and changes in behavior. The word can also be used figuratively to describe violent upheaval or disturbance, like a social or political convulsión.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente sufrió una convulsión debido a la fiebre alta.
    The patient suffered a seizure due to the high fever.
  • Las convulsiones son un síntoma común de la epilepsia.
    Seizures are a common symptom of epilepsy.
  • El país está en una convulsión política.
    The country is in a state of political upheaval.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'convulsión' comes from the Latin word 'convulsio', which means 'a violent shaking'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "convulsión"

Synonyms: ataque, episodio, crisis

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'seizure / convulsion' in Spanish?
The most common translation is "convulsión".
How do you pronounce 'convulsión' in Spanish?
It's pronounced kohn-vool-SYOHN, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'convulsión' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: "El niño tuvo una convulsión." (The child had a seizure.) or "La convulsión social se extendió por todo el país." (The social upheaval spread throughout the country.)
What is the English translation of 'convulsión'?
It translates to "seizure" or "convulsion" in a medical context, or "upheaval" or "turmoil" in a more general sense.
Does 'convulsión' change for gender or number?
Yes, it can be pluralized as "convulsiones" (seizures/convulsions). The word itself is feminine, so articles and adjectives will agree in gender.
Is 'convulsión' common in everyday Spanish?
While not an everyday word, it's understood and used when discussing medical situations or times of significant unrest.
Does 'convulsión' have slang or double meanings?
While it's mostly used in its literal sense, the figurative meaning of 'upheaval' can be applied broadly in contexts like politics or social issues.
Is 'convulsión' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage are generally consistent across both regions.

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