What is the Difference Between Seizure and Syncope?

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Seizures and syncope (fainting) are both conditions that can cause a loss of consciousness, but they have different characteristics and underlying causes. Here are the main differences between the two:

Seizures:

  • Common symptoms include convulsions, which are unusual in syncope.
  • More likely to cause tongue biting.
  • More likely to show a specific atypical electroencephalogram (EEG) reading.
  • Can arise from different conditions that alter typical brain activity, including epilepsy.
  • Indicates a disturbance in the normal electrical activity in the brain.

Syncope:

  • Defining symptom is loss of consciousness.
  • Less likely to cause tongue biting.
  • Less likely to show an atypical EEG reading.
  • Often arises due to a drop in blood pressure.
  • Indicates reduced blood flow to the brain.

Some key points to remember when responding to seizures or syncope include:

  • For seizures, do not put anything in the person's mouth, do not attempt to restrain them, and move hard and sharp objects away from them.
  • Call emergency services if it is a person's first seizure, repeated seizures happen one after another, the person appears to be choking or having difficulty breathing, the seizure happens in water, it lasts more than 5 minutes, or the person is injured.
  • If you experience syncope or seizure, it is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

It is crucial to differentiate between seizures and syncope to provide appropriate treatment and manage underlying conditions effectively.

Comparative Table: Seizure vs Syncope

Here is a table highlighting the differences between seizures and syncope:

Feature Syncope Seizures
Definition Loss of consciousness due to reduced blood flow to the brain Loss of consciousness with convulsions, often associated with epilepsy and other conditions that alter typical brain activity
Causes Drop in blood pressure, vasovagal reflexes, orthostatic hypotension, decreased cardiac output, or vertebrobasilar ischemia Various conditions, such as electrolyte imbalances, drug withdrawal, fever, brain infections, brain injury, and stroke
Symptoms Convulsions and tongue-biting can occur, but they are less likely than in seizures Common symptoms include convulsions, and more likely to cause tongue biting
Diagnosis Less likely to show an atypical electroencephalogram (EEG) reading More likely to show a specific atypical EEG reading
First Seizure Important to call emergency services if it is a person's first seizure, repeated seizures happen one after another, the person appears to be choking or having difficulty breathing, the seizure happens in water, it lasts more than 5 minutes, or the person is injured No specific criteria for calling emergency services

While both syncope and seizures can cause a loss of consciousness, they have different causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatments. It is essential to differentiate between the two to provide appropriate care and management.