Often, seizures and epilepsy are thought to be the same and used interchangeably. However, they are different, says Dr Shabari Girishan, consultant- Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgeon at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru. “Seizures are one of the symptoms of epilepsy, a neurological condition,” he says.
“The first episode of seizure may or may not be [due to] epilepsy,” adds Dr Girishan. However, he emphasises, “Any seizure is something unacceptable to anybody. If anybody had the first episode, they should get attention from a neurologist.” Identifying this condition these two conditions is crucial for timely treatment.
Seizures manifest as abnormal body movements like twitching of limbs, followed by loss of consciousness. Sometimes, the person collapses with violent and uncontrolled spasms, causing an alarming situation for the affected and the bystanders.
A major difference is that one recovers from the seizure in one or two minutes but if epileptic, it can prolong and recur. And in serious conditions such as status epilepticus, seizures can extend to 30 minutes.
Dr Girishan explains that the temporal lobe which is the part of the brain above the ear is the usual site where seizures begin. Any injury or impact to this region can trigger abnormal electrical activities.
The treatment for both conditions varies which a neurologist can evaluate.
The following infographic throws light on the difference between seizures and epilepsy.
For more information watch this video.
