Difference Between Seizure and Syncope

Differences Seizure Syncope

Seizure and syncope are two medical conditions that often cause confusion due to their similar symptoms and presentation. While both conditions are related to loss of consciousness and can result in a person collapsing, there are key differences between them.

What is Seizure?

The abnormal electrical impulses in the brain's cortex cause the strange behaviour known as a seizure.

Symptoms − Twitching and other uncontrollable action of the limbs and body, mental confusion, a loss of consciousness and awareness, and a fixed stare are only few of the symptoms that can accompany seizures. Sometimes, incontinence can occur after a seizure that lasts up to two minutes.

Diagnosis − Diagnosis can be aided by a physical examination and by documenting the symptoms during a seizure. An electroencephalogram (EEG) records and analyses brain electrical activity. One of the best non-invasive tests for epilepsy. The doctor often does what is called a "neurological exam," in which he or she examines several aspects of our nervous system. When an infection of the brain is suspected, a lumbar puncture may also be performed. Seizures may be caused by tumours or bleeding in the brain, both of which can be detected using a CT scan or MRI.

Causes − Seizures can happen for a variety of causes, including but not limited to the following: brain damage, brain tumours, brain infections, neurological disorders including epilepsy, substance addiction, alcohol withdrawal, and heredity.

Risk factors and treatment − Risk factors for seizures include substance misuse, brain injury, and a family history of the disorder. Perhaps treating the underlying cause. Topiramate, pregabalin, carbamezapine, and gabapentin are only some of the drugs that can be utilised. Depending on the age of the patient and the kind of seizure, different anti-seizure drugs may be effective.

What is Syncope?

Syncope, on the other hand, is a medical condition that is characterized by a sudden and brief loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain. This can occur due to a number of factors, including low blood pressure, heart conditions, dehydration, or medication side effects. Syncope is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as sweating, pale skin, or dizziness, and the person will quickly regain consciousness after the episode.

Differences: Seizure and Syncope

The following table highlights the major differences between Seizure and Syncope −

Characteristics	Seizure	Syncope
Definition	Seizure is defined as a sudden illness, especially an epileptic fit or stroke.	It is defined as a transient or sudden loss of consciousness
Symptoms	Loss of mobility Unconsciousness Uncertainty and confusion Loss of alteration of basic senses (smell, sound, look, taste, or touch) Incontinence A staring spell Change in behavior and emotions Numb and prickling sensation Trembling and shaking Muscle contractions and cramps Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs Postictal flaccidity and drowsiness Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, fear, or déjà vu	Feeling of dizziness Irregular heart beat Wooziness Vertigo, or a feeling that the room is moving Felling of black out Feeling of drowsiness and grogginess Feeling of lightheadedness Temporary drop in blood flow to the brain Fainting, especially after exercising or eating Feeling weak, fatigued, unsteady when standing. Changes in vision, for example having tunnel vision or seeing spots
Causes	Epilepsy Meningitis and encephalitis (kinds of brain infection) Drug abuse Medication withdrawal, like Xanax Withdrawal from narcotics, or alcohol Electric shock Tumor in brain Abnormal glucose or sodium levels in the blood Use of narcotics, such as heroin and cocaine Injury to brain that happens during childbirth or labor Brain problems that occur before birth (congenital braindefects) Electrolyte imbalance Repetitive flashing lights or sounds, as in video games Asthma drugs and medications like antipsychotics	Pregnancy Exhaustion Strenuous physical activities, such as lifting a heavy weight Dehydration Dilated blood vessels and low blood pressure Stenosis, or a blockage of the heart valves Extreme tension and stress Straining, such as to have a bowel movement Extreme fear or pain Having blood drawn Arrhythmias, or an abnormal heartbeat
Types	Tonic seizures Absence seizures (formerly known as petit mal) Drop attacks (Atonic seizures) Grand mal (Tonic-clonic or convulsive seizures) Clonic seizures Myoclonic seizures	Vasovagal syncope (also termed as cardio-neurogenic syncope) Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) (The Autonomic Nervous System automatically controls many functions of the body, such as bladder control, heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure Situational syncope Postural syncope (also termed as postural hypotension) Neurologic syncope
After effects	After seizure, the person may feel sleepy, experience headache and heaviness and may be confused	After syncope, the person feels lethargy but he does not feel confused
EMS Vitals	Usually BP and HR elevated (rare types of temporal lobe seizure can cause bradycardia)	Could have low BP and HR
Warning	>50% have some aura, usually hard to describe, like smell or a déjà vu.	Darkened and blurred vision, lightheadedness, feeling of faintness
Nature of trigger	Range of rare triggers and flashing lights is best known	Differs between types: pain, standing, emotions for VVS; specific trigger for situational syncope; standing for OH

Conclusion

While both seizure and syncope result in a loss of consciousness and can cause a person to collapse, they are two distinct medical conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Understanding the differences between these two conditions can help improve diagnosis and treatment, and ensure that patients receive the right care and support.

Vineet Nanda

Updated on: 07-Apr-2023

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