Published on: 7/9/2025
Does having a seizure mean I have epilepsy?
Having a seizure does not automatically mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is usually diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures.
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Explanation
A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain and can happen to anyone under certain circumstances. However, having a single seizure does not mean you have epilepsy.
Epilepsy Diagnosis:
- Multiple Seizures: Epilepsy is generally diagnosed when a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures. An unprovoked seizure is one that is not caused by a known trigger, e.g. a high fever or head injury.
- Medical Evaluation: A healthcare professional will look at your medical history and may perform tests to understand why the seizure happened.
Understanding Seizures:
- Provoked Seizures: These can be caused by things like fever, infections, or head trauma. They are not indicative of epilepsy.
- Unprovoked Seizures: If you have an unprovoked seizure, it might lead to further evaluations to check for epilepsy.
If you or someone you know experiences a seizure, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and guidance.
(References)
- Manole AM, Sirbu CA, Mititelu MR, Vasiliu O, Lorusso L, Sirbu OM, & Ionita Radu F. (2023). State of the Art and Challenges in Epilepsy-A Narrative .... Journal of personalized medicine, 37109008.
- Hauser WA, & Beghi E. (2008). First seizure definitions and worldwide incidence .... Epilepsia, 18184148.
- Vergara López S, Ramos-Jiménez C, Adrián de la Cruz Reyes L, Kevin Galindo Ruiz A, Armando Baigts Arriola L, Manuel Moncayo Olivares J, et al. (2021). Epilepsy diagnosis based on one unprovoked seizure and .... Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 34740089.
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