Plain English Meaning

Sudden, uncontrolled shaking or jerking of the body caused by something going wrong in the brain. The person cannot stop it from happening.

Full Definition

Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions throughout the body, often violent and uncontrollable, typically caused by a disturbance of normal brain function. In aviation medical contexts, convulsions can result from oxygen deprivation, exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide (such as from sublimating dry ice), or other physiological stressors that affect the central nervous system.

Context Anchor

Seen in warnings about carrying dry ice, which can release carbon dioxide gas inside an if the is not well ventilated.