Seizure vs. Convulsion — What's the Difference?

Diagnosed through EEG and patient history.

Can occur as a result of various conditions.

Treatment aims at controlling episodes.

Treatment depends on the cause.

May or may not include physical convulsions.

A specific symptom involving muscle contractions.

A disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain.

Visible and often violent.

Can affect consciousness, behavior, and sensations.

Diagnosis focuses on underlying cause.

A seizure, formally known as an epileptic seizure, is a period of symptoms due to abnormally excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Outward effects vary from uncontrolled shaking movements involving much of the body with loss of consciousness (tonic-clonic seizure), to shaking movements involving only part of the body with variable levels of consciousness (focal seizure), to a subtle momentary loss of awareness (absence seizure).

A convulsion is a medical condition where body muscles contract and relax rapidly and repeatedly, resulting in uncontrolled shaking. Because epileptic seizures typically include convulsions, the term convulsion is sometimes used as a synonym for seizure.

The act or an instance of seizing or the condition of being seized.

An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction.

A sudden attack, spasm, or convulsion, as in epilepsy or another disorder.

An uncontrolled fit, as of laughter; a paroxysm.

The act of taking possession, as by force or right of law.

Violent turmoil

A sudden attack or convulsion, (e.g. an epileptic seizure).

(medicine) An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction.

A sudden onset of pain or emotion.

An uncontrolled fit, as of laughter; a paroxysm.

That which is seized, or taken possession of; a thing laid hold of, or possessed.

Violent turmoil.

(obsolete) Retention within one's grasp or power; possession; ownership.

An unnatural, violent, and unvoluntary contraction of the muscular parts of an animal body.

To undergo an epileptic seizure.

Any violent and irregular motion or agitation; a violent shaking; a tumult; a commotion.

The act of seizing, or the state of being seized; sudden and violent grasp or gripe; a taking into possession; as, the seizure of a thief, a property, a throne, etc.

A sudden uncontrollable attack;

Retention within one's grasp or power; hold; possession; ownership.

Violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles

That which is seized, or taken possession of; a thing laid hold of, or possessed.

A violent disturbance;

A sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease;

A physical disturbance such as an earthquake or upheaval

The act of forcibly dispossessing an owner of property

The act of taking of a person by force

The taking possession of something by legal process

Causes include seizures, fever, and electrolyte imbalances.

Yes, seizures can occur without visible convulsions.

A neurological condition marked by abnormal brain activity.

Involuntary, visible muscle contractions.

Through medication, dietary changes, or surgery.

No, convulsions are a symptom that can occur during a seizure.

EEG, alongside medical history and a physical exam.

Anxiety doesn't cause seizures but can trigger them in people with epilepsy.

Ensure safety, monitor duration, and seek medical help if necessary.

No, other causes include fever, infections, head injuries, and more.

Not always, but they can be life threatening or indicate serious conditions.

Yes, most children outgrow febrile convulsions by the age of 5-6 years.

Keep them safe, don't restrain them, and turn them on their side.

Yes, severe dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances and convulsions.

No, some seizures affect consciousness minimally or not at all.