Distinguishing between convulsions and seizures: A guide for understanding the differences
Seizures and convulsions are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct medical conditions. Seizures are sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain, while convulsions are a specific type of seizure characterized by involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions and relaxations.
Causes
Seizures can be caused by various factors, including epilepsy, brain injury, stroke, infections, tumors, genetic conditions, or developmental abnormalities. Convulsions, on the other hand, are a symptom or manifestation that generally occurs during seizures involving motor symptoms such as muscle jerking.
Symptoms
Seizures encompass a broad spectrum of symptoms beyond convulsions. These can include brief lapses of awareness, sensory disturbances, unusual behaviors, or muscle twitching. Some seizures may involve an aura (early signs such as unusual sensations or emotions) before onset. Convulsions are specific motor symptoms characterized by stiffening (tonic phase) followed by rhythmic jerking of limbs (clonic phase). Additional symptoms during tonic-clonic seizures include loss of consciousness, muscle stiffness, possible tongue biting, loss of bowel control, and breathing difficulties that may turn the face blue.
Treatments
Treatment for seizures and convulsions focuses on controlling seizures broadly. Anticonvulsant medications (antiseizure drugs) are the primary approach, with options including Diazepam and Clobazam. Other treatments include surgery (for seizures originating in a localized brain region), vagus nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet, and responsive neurostimulation devices. Since convulsions are a symptom of certain seizures, treatment of convulsions mainly involves managing the underlying seizure disorder, not the convulsions separately.
In summary, seizures are brain activity events causing diverse symptoms, while convulsions specifically refer to the physical muscle contractions and jerking movements relating to some types of seizures, mainly generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Treatment targets seizure control overall, with medications and other therapies depending on seizure type and severity. It's essential to seek medical attention for both convulsions and seizures to determine their cause and appropriate treatment, as conditions like stroke, infections, metabolic imbalances, brain injuries, and genetic disorders can cause seizures.
