Published on: 7/9/2025
How can I tell the difference between a seizure and fainting?
Seizures and fainting can look similar but have different causes and signs; seizures often involve jerking movements and confusion, while fainting usually causes brief loss of consciousness with quick recovery.
Explanation
Understanding the differences can help you respond appropriately:
Cause: Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Fainting (syncope) results from a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain.
Symptoms: Seizures may include jerking or twitching of limbs, loss of awareness, staring spells, and confusion afterward. Fainting typically involves sudden dizziness, weakness, and a brief loss of consciousness, often with quick recovery. Some people may have brief myoclonic jerking (quick muscle twitches) during fainting.
Duration: Seizures usually last from seconds to a few minutes. Fainting usually lasts a few seconds to a minute.
After-effects: After a seizure, confusion, fatigue, or drowsiness (postictal state) is common. After fainting, people generally recover quickly without confusion.
If you are unsure about an episode, seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and care.
(References)
- Sheldon R. (2015). How to Differentiate Syncope from Seizure. Cardiology clinics, 26115824.
- McKeon A, Vaughan C, & Delanty N. (2006). Seizure versus syncope. The Lancet. Neurology, 16426993.
- Sheldon R, Rose S, Ritchie D, Connolly SJ, Koshman ML, Lee MA, et al. (2002). Historical criteria that distinguish syncope from seizures. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 12103268.
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