Is it possible to pass out during a seizure?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, you can pass out during a seizure. Seizures and syncope (fainting) are closely connected — seizures may trigger a loss of consciousness, and in some cases, fainting episodes can even provoke seizure-like activity, known as convulsive syncope.

Because the causes of passing out and seizures overlap — ranging from low blood pressure and heart rhythm issues to epilepsy or neurological conditions — identifying the underlying trigger is essential for proper treatment. Left unchecked, repeated episodes can lead to serious injury or signal a more significant health concern.

If you or a loved one has experienced fainting during or after a seizure, don't guess about what's happening. Take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms, uncover possible causes, and get clear guidance on your next steps. It's a quick, private way to move from uncertainty to informed action.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Seizures and fainting, also known as syncope, can sometimes occur together. In some cases, certain medical conditions may cause both seizures and syncope to occur. For example, one study found that trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that causes facial pain, can be associated with both seizures and syncope. This means that during a seizure, a person may also faint.

Additionally, external factors like drug use can influence the occurrence of seizures. For instance, substances like MDMA have been shown to increase the risk of seizures. Although the connection between drug use and syncope isn't directly discussed in the references, the impact of drugs on seizures is significant.

In rare cases, other medical issues like brain tumors can also cause syncope. While these tumors primarily affect the brain, they can sometimes lead to cardiac syncope, which is when the heart temporarily stops pumping blood effectively, causing fainting.

Understanding these connections helps to explain why someone might pass out during a seizure. However, if you're experiencing symptoms like seizures or fainting, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool and reach out to a healthcare provider for proper guidance.

(References)

Kapoor WN, & Jannetta PJ. (1984). Trigeminal neuralgia associated with seizure and syncope. .... Journal of neurosurgery, 6747698.
Giorgi FS, Lazzeri G, Natale G, Iudice A, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A, et al. (2006). MDMA and seizures: a dangerous liaison?. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 17105933.
van der Sluijs BM, Renier WO, & Kappelle AC. (2004). Brain tumour as a rare cause of cardiac syncope. Journal of neuro-oncology, 15072474.

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