A seizure is a single, temporary event caused by a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, while epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures (two or more). Think of a seizure as a symptom (like a cough) and epilepsy as the underlying disorder (like bronchitis) that causes repeated symptoms, though you can have a seizure from a specific trigger (like fever or alcohol withdrawal) without having epilepsy.

Are epilepsy and seizure the same?

The words “seizure disorder” and “epilepsy” are often used interchangeably. However, “provoked” seizures, such as those due to severe hypoglycemia, are not considered to be forms of epilepsy. There are two main types of seizures—focal, which are also called partial seizures, and generalized.

What are seizures in babies?

A seizure is caused by sudden, abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain. By definition, neonatal seizures occur during the neonatal, or newborn, period. For a full-term infant, this is the first 28 days after their birth. Most of these seizures occur within the first week of a baby's life.

How to tell if a seizure is epileptic or not?

Symptoms of epilepsy

1. your body becoming stiff or floppy.
2. suddenly falling to the floor.
3. jerking or twitching movements in your body.
4. peeing unintentionally.
5. losing awareness of what's around you – you may stare into space and not be able to respond normally.

Can you take epilepsy medication while pregnant?

Lamotrigine and levetiracetam are safer medicines to take in pregnancy. It's usually better to make any changes to your medicine before rather than during pregnancy. If you get pregnant while you're taking an AED, continue to take it and contact your GP or neurologist immediately to discuss your treatment.

The Difference between Seizures and Epilepsy

What is the safest drug for epilepsy?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is one of the safest antiepileptic drugs, but it is less effective than other options, especially at a low dose. Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is similar to carbamazepine. It has fewer side effects, but a higher risk for low blood sodium.

What happens to a fetus during a seizure?

There is a risk of the following problems when a seizure happens during pregnancy: Slowing of the fetal heart rate. Decreased oxygen to the fetus. Preterm labor.

What is the 5 minute rule for seizures?

If the person is lying down, turn them gently on their side, with their mouth pointing to the ground. This will keep their airway clear. Time the seizure to track if it lasts more than 5 minutes. If it does, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.

What are the 3 C's of epilepsy?

Use the three C's campaign (Calm, Cushion, Call) to ensure everyone knows what to do if they see someone having a seizure. Stay CALM and stay with the person who is having a seizure. CUSHION their head with a coat or cardigan to stop them from injuring themselves.

What can trigger epilepsy?

Possible seizure triggers include:

• Alcohol.
• Flashing lights.
• Illicit drug use.
• Skipping doses of anti-seizure medicines or taking more than prescribed.
• Lack of sleep.
• Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle.
• Stress.
• Dehydration.

Do babies cry during seizures?

Your child can experience a variety of behaviors, such as gagging, lip smacking, running, screaming, crying, or laughing. After the seizure, during what's called the postictal period, your child may feel tired. Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain.

What does a baby do after a seizure?

After the seizure, your child may be sleepy or confused. The symptoms of a seizure may be like those of other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How to avoid seizures in babies?

How to Prevent Seizures

1. Understand Your Triggers. Every patient may have different seizure triggers. ...
2. Prioritize Medication Adherence. ...
3. Maintain Healthy Sleep Habits. ...
4. Manage Stress and Lifestyle Choices. ...
5. Pediatric Epilepsy Care. ...
6. When to Seek Medical Support. ...
7. FAQs.

What are the four types of seizures?

Describing seizures

• Tonic: Muscles become stiff.
• Atonic: Sudden, unexpected loss of muscle strength or tone.
• Myoclonic: Short, lightning-quick, jerking movements.
• Clonic: Periods of rhythmic shaking or jerking movements.

What age does epilepsy start?

Epilepsy can start at any age, but it especially affects adults older than 50. Older adults with epilepsy have unique needs because they are more sensitive to medications and can have several other medical problems that need to be considered when addressing their disease.

What do they call epilepsy now?

Epilepsy (sometimes referred to as a seizure disorder) can have many different causes and seizure types. Epilepsy varies in severity and impact from person to person and can be accompanied by a range of co-existing conditions. Epilepsy is sometimes called “the epilepsies” because of the diversity of types and causes.

What are the worst seizures to have?

Focal seizures can evolve into major events that spread to the entire brain and cause tonic-clonic seizures. These seizures are important to treat and prevent since they can cause respiratory problems and injuries.

What is the rule of 3 for seizures?

A recent ILAE task force proposed using a “Rule of Three” as an operational definition of seizure freedom, according to which a patient should be considered seizure-free following an intervention after a period without seizures has elapsed equal to three times the longest pre-intervention inter-seizure interval over ...

What are the 4 stages of epilepsy?

Prodrome: behaviors or feelings that start hours to days before a seizure. Aura: the actual start of a seizure that may be thought of as a 'warning' Ictus: the seizure event. Postictal: the recovery period after a seizure.

What should you never do during a seizure?

It's a fact a person cannot swallow his tongue. Don't try to give CPR or mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing during the seizure. People normally start breathing on their own again once the seizure ends. Don't offer a person food, water or medications until he is fully awake and alert.

Do seizures cause brain damage?

Although scientists and clinicians have long known that prolonged seizures, a condition referred to as "status epilepticus," kill brain cells, surprisingly little scientific evidence exists to support the notion that individual seizures do damage.

Should you go to the ER after a seizure?

Once the seizure is over, Kadiwala recommends the patient be taken to the emergency room to rule out any serious medical problems. “Anyone who experiences their first seizure should be taken to the ER right away,” he explains. “The purpose of an ER visit is to rule out any immediate or life-threatening.

Why do epileptics take folic acid?

There is mounting evidence that folic acid protects against the development of neural tube defects, even in women taking antiepileptic drugs.

What are the long term side effects of seizures?

The morbidities include later development of epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric impairments. There has been a long-standing hypothesis that these outcomes are, at least in part, a function of brain injury induced by the status epilepticus.

Can epileptics have children?

Most women with epilepsy have over a 90% chance of having a healthy baby. Any individual risks for you will depend on many factors, including your type of epilepsy, the ASM and dose you take, and any other medical conditions. If you stop taking your ASM, your seizures may increase, or become more severe.

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