Difference between seizure and epilepsy

What’s the difference between epilepsy and seizures?

A seizure is a sudden, temporary disturbance in the brain’s electrical activity that can cause changes in behaviour, movement, feelings, and consciousness. Epilepsy, on the other hand, is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. So, while seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, not all seizures mean someone has epilepsy.

What’s a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden, temporary disruption of electrical signals in the brain that can cause changes in behaviour, movement, feelings, and consciousness. Seizures can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can be mild or severe, depending on the type of seizure and the individual experiencing it.

Generalised seizures

Generalised seizures involve the entire brain and are characterised by a loss of consciousness and body control. They can be further classified into six types: tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, atonic seizures, tonic seizures, and clonic seizures.

Focal seizures

Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, start in one area of the brain and can spread to other parts of the brain. There are two types of focal seizures: simple and complex. Simple focal seizures do not affect consciousness, while complex focal seizures can cause changes in consciousness or awareness.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It can affect people of all ages, and various factors, such as genetics, brain injury, infection, or tumour, can cause it. Epilepsy can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, drive, and participate in daily activities.

Types of epilepsy:

There are many different types of epilepsy, and the type of epilepsy someone has will depend on the affected part of the brain. Some of the most common types of epilepsy include:

• Idiopathic epilepsy: The cause of seizures is unknown, but there is often a genetic component.
• Symptomatic epilepsy: Seizures are caused by an underlying condition or injury, such as a stroke, brain infection, or brain injury.
• Cryptogenic epilepsy: Seizures have no identifiable cause, but there may be evidence of structural brain abnormalities.
• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A specific type of idiopathic epilepsy that typically begins in adolescence and is characterised by myoclonic seizures and generalised tonic-clonic seizures.
• Absence epilepsy is generalised epilepsy characterised by brief lapses in consciousness.

Few types of epilepsy that are specific to childhood:

Some types of epilepsy are specific to childhood, including:

• Infantile spasms: A rare type of epilepsy that usually begins in infancy and is characterised by brief, sudden spasms of the arms, legs, or trunk.
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A severe form of epilepsy that usually begins in childhood and is characterised by multiple types of seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

To diagnose epilepsy, a doctor will typically perform a neurological exam, review the person’s medical history, and order diagnostic tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or brain imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI. The doctor may also conduct blood tests to check for any underlying conditions that could be causing seizures.

Why do people get epilepsy?

There are many different factors that can cause epilepsy, including genetics, brain injury, infection, or tumour. Some people may also develop epilepsy due to an unknown cause. Other risk factors for epilepsy include age, family history of epilepsy, and certain medical conditions, such as stroke or brain infection.

Can you prevent epilepsy?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent epilepsy, as the condition is often caused by factors that are beyond an individual’s control, such as genetics or brain injury. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of seizures, such as taking medication as prescribed by a doctor, avoiding triggers that can cause seizures (such as alcohol or sleep deprivation), and wearing a medical alert bracelet to alert others in case of an emergency.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

The most common symptom of epilepsy is seizures, which can manifest in many different ways depending on the type of seizure and the individual experiencing it. Other symptoms may include temporary confusion, loss of consciousness, staring spells, sudden falls, or convulsions.

When to consult the doctor and who to consult?

If you or someone you know experiences a seizure, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important. The first step is to call an ambulance or the local emergency number. A doctor who specialises in epilepsy, known as an epileptologist, can help diagnose and treat the condition.

People also ask

1. Does a seizure always mean epilepsy?

No, not all seizures mean someone has epilepsy. A variety of factors, including fever, head injury, infection, or medication side effects, can cause seizures. A doctor will need to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of a seizure.

2. What are seizure and epilepsy?

A seizure is a sudden, temporary disturbance in the brain’s electrical activity that can cause changes in behaviour, movement, feelings, and consciousness. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

3. Can you have a seizure and not epilepsy?

Yes, it is possible to have a seizure and not have epilepsy. A variety of factors, such as fever, head injury, infection, or medication side effects, can cause seizures. However, if someone experiences more than one unprovoked seizure, they may be diagnosed with epilepsy.

4. What are the 4 types of seizures?

There are many different types of seizures, but they can generally be classified into four main categories:

• Generalised seizures: These seizures involve the entire brain and can cause loss of consciousness and body control.
• Focal seizures: These seizures start in one area of the brain and can spread to other parts of the brain.
• Absence seizures: These seizures are a type of generalised seizure characterised by brief lapses in consciousness.
• Myoclonic seizures: These seizures involve sudden, brief muscle jerks that can affect one or both sides of the body.

5. How do seizures start?

Seizures can occur for various reasons, such as high levels of salt or sugar in the blood, brain injury resulting from a stroke or head injury, congenital brain disorders or brain tumours. Other factors that can lead to seizures include dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, high fever, or illnesses and infections that cause damage to the brain.