Seizure and Fainting in Autonomic Disorders Presented by David Saperstein, M.D.

In this resource, Dr. David Saperstein addresses the common question of whether POTS or other autonomic disorders can lead to seizures, and why these conditions might often be misdiagnosed as seizures. He explains that the confusion often arises from syncope (fainting), where decreased blood flow to the brain may cause convulsive syncope, which resembles a seizure. Distinguishing true seizures from convulsive syncope involves EEG testing, where syncope shows suppressed brain wave patterns rather than the electrical abnormalities seen in epileptic seizures. Dr. Saperstein emphasizes the importance of thorough medical evaluation to accurately diagnose and manage these conditions, suggesting that ongoing syncope monitoring might help distinguish between these episodes.