A panic attack is an intense surge of fear with rapid physical and emotional distress. A seizure, in contrast, is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Many wonder if these distinct events are related or if one could lead to the other. This article clarifies their differences and addresses common misconceptions.
Distinguishing Panic Attacks and Seizures
Panic attacks are psychological events rooted in anxiety, stress, or phobias, not involving abnormal brain electrical activity. They begin abruptly, bringing intense fear often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. During a panic attack, individuals remain aware of their surroundings, and consciousness is not lost. These non-neurological episodes stem from the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response when no actual danger is present.
Seizures are neurological events resulting from abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity within the brain. Various types exist, including tonic-clonic seizures with full-body movements, or focal seizures affecting specific areas. Seizures can lead to altered or complete loss of consciousness, involuntary movements, and post-event confusion. These neurological episodes reflect a temporary disruption in the brain’s normal nerve system activities.
A panic attack does not directly cause or lead to an epileptic seizure. These are two distinct medical conditions with different underlying mechanisms and origins. While both can be frightening, their nature—psychological versus neurological—remains separate.
Shared Symptoms and Overlap
Confusion between panic attacks and seizures often arises due to shared symptoms. Both can manifest with a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and changes in breathing, such as hyperventilation or shortness of breath. Individuals may also experience dizziness, lightheadedness, trembling, and sweating during either event.
Sensations of tingling or numbness, particularly in the extremities, can occur in both. A feeling of unreality or detachment from oneself or surroundings (depersonalization or derealization) is another shared symptom.
While these symptoms may overlap, their origin and clinical significance differ. In a panic attack, these physical manifestations are part of an intense anxiety response. During a seizure, they result directly from abnormal brain electrical activity. Shared symptoms do not indicate one condition causes the other.
Conditions Mimicking Panic Attacks and Seizures
Several other medical conditions can present with symptoms resembling panic attacks or seizures, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are seizure-like events psychological in origin, not caused by abnormal brain electrical activity. PNES can be triggered by psychological distress, such as stress or trauma, and might be confused with panic attacks due to their psychological triggers and epileptic seizures because of their physical manifestations.
Beyond PNES, other conditions can mimic panic attack symptoms, including thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism which can cause nervousness and a rapid heartbeat, or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Similarly, conditions such as syncope (fainting), certain types of migraines with aura, or cardiac arrhythmias can cause episodes that resemble seizures. These conditions mimic panic attacks or seizures; they are not caused by panic attacks themselves.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is important for any new, severe, or recurrent symptoms that cause concern. This is particularly true if symptoms involve loss of consciousness, confusion, or uncontrolled movements. A healthcare professional can help differentiate between a panic attack, an epileptic seizure, PNES, or other underlying medical conditions through proper evaluation.
Accurate diagnosis is important for appropriate care. Effective treatments exist for both panic disorder, often involving therapy and medication, and epilepsy, typically managed with anti-seizure medications. Prompt medical evaluation ensures the correct diagnosis is made, leading to tailored and effective treatment strategies.