Introduction:
A seizure is described as an excessive surge of irregular electrical activity of the nerves that is responsible for manifesting multiple symptoms, depending on which parts of the brain are affected.
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system in which a person suffers from one or more seizures that occur in the absence of any triggers (unprovoked seizures). These seizures usually occur at a time difference of more than 24 hours. Epilepsy could be a common cause of seizures. Approximately 11 percent of people experience seizures once in their lifetime.
What Are Seizures?
The human brain is a very complex electrical unit that uses electric power to send neural signals through the entire body. When these electric signals are interrupted, brain activity is hampered, giving rise to seizures. Seizures are usually described as irregular, abnormal activity of the nerves in the brain. These irregularities can sometimes become recurrent or persistent (chronic). They cause a surge in the brain, affecting several brain functions. Seizures can lead to abnormal movements, perceptiveness, or unusual life experiences. When seizures become chronic in nature, the condition is referred to as epilepsy.
It is possible to have seizures without an epileptic attack, but epilepsy without seizures is not possible.
Causes of Nonepileptic Seizures
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Persistent fever.
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Head injury.
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Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain).
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Difficulty breathing due to windpipe obstruction.
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Withdrawal symptoms due to alcohol.
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Drug withdrawal symptoms.
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Hypertension (high blood pressure).
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metabolic disorders such as renal or liver failure.
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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
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Brain stroke.
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Brain tumors.
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Autoimmune disorders like lupus.
What Are the Types of Seizures?
Seizures can be classified into two categories.
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Generalized Seizures.
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Focal Seizures.
Generalized Seizures:
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Absence Seizures- These types of seizures make a person lose attention, wink rapidly and repetitively, or gaze out into empty spaces for a few seconds. They affect both sides of the brain.
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Tonic-clonic Seizures- These seizures may cause a person to cry out loud, stumble upon the ground, or experience strong muscular jerks.
Focal Seizures
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Simple Focal Seizures- These seizures affect only a small portion of the brain. Therefore, minimal symptoms like a peculiar taste in the mouth or a minor spasm (twitch).
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Complex Focal Seizures- Multiple areas of the brain are involved and may cause mental confusion. Patients may become disoriented and not able to respond for a few minutes.
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Secondary Generalized Seizures- These types of seizures begin as focal seizures in one part of the brain, gradually progressing to a generalized seizure.
Most seizures last for not more than five to six minutes. Some may last for a few seconds only.`
What Is Epilepsy?
If the seizures become chronic and recurrent, they may lead to epilepsy. Epilepsy may, therefore, be defined as a chronic seizure disease. It is diagnosed by the healthcare professionals under the following circumstances.
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Where there is an absence of triggers like the absence of a head injury or a brain or meningeal infection.
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When the patient suffers a minimum of two epileptic seizures at a gap of more than 24 hours, multiple seizures that occur within a 24-hour period do not suggest epilepsy.
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When the electrical tests run in the brain, the symptoms are nothing but seizures.
However, it is very important for the healthcare professional to make a correct diagnosis.
After experiencing the first seizure symptoms, it is important for a person to consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will ask for a complete medical history of the patient, including an exclusive detailed history of every seizure, any drug history, any medical conditions, or any recent head injuries.
Usually, a neurological examination is performed to examine the cranial nerves and reflexes. Often, an electroencephalogram (EEG) test is carried out to diagnose epilepsy by demonstrating the specific patterns of electrical stimuli inside the brain.
What Are the Differences Between Seizures and Epilepsy?
There are some important differences between seizures and epilepsy that include:
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Seizures are a result of an independent electrical brain activity that behaves abnormally in an individual. Epilepsy, on the other hand, is a result of chronic and repetitive seizure activity. It is, therefore, crucial to treat the underlying pathology of individual seizures.
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Nonepileptic seizures that may occur in a few medical conditions may be life-threatening and fatal. A person can also die due to severe dehydration, uncontrolled diabetes, or a traumatic brain injury.
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Seizures occur as a result of an underlying medical condition that has triggered abnormal brain activity. Therefore, a person may exhibit symptoms like high blood pressure or malnutrition. Epilepsy occurs in the absence of any trigger. It is usually an unprovoked seizure activity.
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It is important to exclude other syndromes and neurological disorders in order to diagnose epilepsy. Whereas in the case of seizures, a single test may sometimes give clarity. For instance, if a person is experiencing seizures and has high blood sugar levels, it can be easily concluded by the healthcare professional that uncontrolled diabetes is the main cause of it.
What Are the Similarities Between Seizures and Epilepsy?
Epilepsy and seizures related to other diseases have several factors in common. These include:
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The symptoms of both seizures and epilepsy are the same. They will not be helpful in distinguishing epilepsy from seizures.
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Both epilepsy and seizures have similar complications. They increase the patient’s risk of injury from stumbling upon, car accidents, and unconsciousness.
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In both epilepsy and seizure diseases, the convulsions themselves are not dangerous. A fit or seizure is considered a medical emergency if it lasts for more than five to six minutes and causes severe trauma or injury.
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It is crucial for the healthcare professional to consider both possibilities, as the patient may suffer from epilepsy and have another disease that causes seizures.
Conclusion
Although seizures and epilepsy should be regarded as separate medical conditions, the management should be prompt and quick in both conditions. If the seizure lasts for more than five to six minutes, it should be considered a medical emergency. The conditions that cause seizures should be treated immediately to eliminate the cause of seizures. It is recommended to consult a physician as soon as the symptoms appear. A patient’s life can be saved if prompt medical care is given.
