Differences Between Epilepsy & Seizures

Epilepsy causes seizures, but not all seizures are the result of epilepsy. Both conditions are characterized by interruptions in proper brain activity, but epilepsy is a condition in which seizures are spontaneously recurrent. As many as one of 100 people in the U.S. will have a seizure in their lifetime, but only 1 percent of Americans have epilepsy.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder in which electrical brain signals are interrupted, causing a person to have convulsions or seizures.

Epilepsy Causes

Causes of epilepsy can include head trauma, dementia, medical disorders such as stroke, developmental disorders such as autism, diseases such as meningitis, prenatal injury, and a family history of the condition.

Epilepsy Symptoms

Symptoms of epileptic seizure can vary from person to person but usually include temporary confusion, uncontrollable jerking, staring, and a loss of consciousness.

Seizure

A seizure occurs when abnormal electrical signals are sent to part of the brain, interrupting the brain's normal electrical function.

Seizure Causes

Causes of seizure include fever, infection, trauma, stroke, brain tumor, drug withdrawal, congenital or genetic factors, progressive brain disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Seizure Symptoms

Seizure symptoms include staring, appearing confused, rapid eye blinking, breathing problems, arms and legs jerking, body stiffening, and loss of consciousness.

References

• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Mayo Clinic
• University of Virginia Health System

Resources

• Web MD