Stroke v/s Seizure

There is generally a confusion in understanding the difference between the terms Stroke & Seizure. Both the terms tend to get used indiscriminately. There is, therefore, a necessity to outline some basic differences between the two.

Stroke


Stroke results from sudden reduction in blood flow to the brain. Its symptoms include, numbness, severe headache, confusion, incoherence, imbalance, affected motor abilities , disturbed vision, paralysis, etc. 


Brain consumes nearly 20-25% of oxygen supply of the body & around 15% of blood circulated by the heart to carry on its activities. The event of interruption of blood supply to the brain can cause a Stroke. Cell death in affected areas of the brain, ensues. This, in turn, hampers the functioning of the body parts under the control of those areas of the brain where neuronal loss occurs. 


Seizure


Seizure is caused by uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. This may result in convulsions, nausea, trembling, panic, speech disorders, eye rolling, incontinence & even loss of consciousness.

The main reasons for occurrence of seizures can be trauma, brain injury, tumour, chemical insults, multiple sclerosis, infection, metabolic disturbances, etc.