Kim Frederick, age 9, of Lancaster, Pa., for her question:

WHAT IS A SEIZURE?

When internal imbalances produce an erratic loss of control over body movements and a convulsive activity that involves violent thrashing without mental control, you have a serious condition that is termed a seizure.Seizures most often happen when a patient is suffering from epilepsy, although drugs are now available which can prevent many seizures from happening.

If you know a person who has seizures, you should receive information on how to help him when an attack hits. Doctors recommend that a folded handkerchief or some other soft substance should be placed in his mouth to prevent any damage to the tongue.

Sometimes seizures can be related to poisoning, fever, lockjaw, rabies or anemia.