Seizure Vs. Convulsion

People often use the words "seizure" and "convulsion" as synonyms, but they don't mean exactly the same thing. Abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes a seizure and the symptoms of a seizure vary. Seizures can trigger convulsions, or uncontrollable shaking of the body.

Symptoms

• Seizures happen without much warning. Symptoms differ from one person to another, depending on what part of the brain the seizure affects. Examples of symptoms include a sudden upswing or decline in emotions, changes in vision and loss of muscle control.

Causes

• Many medical conditions cause seizures. Some are temporary. Infants, for instance, sometimes experience seizures and convulsions when they have a high fever. Other causes of seizure are more serious, such as a brain tumor, dementia and kidney failure. Seizures and convulsions also may be caused by an inherited medical condition called epilepsy. Medication usually controls epilepsy.

Response

• You might need to seek medical help for someone whose seizure or convulsion lasts for more than a few minutes. Typically, the condition lasts for a period ranging from about 30 seconds to two minutes. Find medical attention immediately if someone experiences a series of seizures while remaining unconscious.