What do convulsants cause in the body?

Convulsants are substances that induce convulsions, which are characterized by intense, involuntary muscular contractions. When these substances affect the central nervous system (CNS), they can lead to the activation of neural pathways that result in seizures, causing repeated and uncontrolled muscle movements. This disruption in normal neural activities manifests as convulsions, which may involve twitching, jerking, or shaking movements of various muscle groups.

The nature of convulsants highlights their role in altering normal brain function, significantly impacting motor control and leading to these muscular contractions. Understanding the mechanism by which convulsants operate is critical in the context of hazardous materials, as it provides insight into the neurological effects that such substances can have on human beings and underscores the importance of immediate medical response in cases of exposure.