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Table 181-3

Differential Diagnosis of Seizures

SyncopeTransient ischemic attack (TIA)

Vasovagal syncope

Cardiac arrhythmia

Valvular heart disease

Cardiac failure

Orthostatic hypotension

Psychological disorders

Psychogenic seizure

Hyperventilation

Panic attack

Metabolic disturbances

Alcoholic blackouts

Delirium tremens

Hypoglycemia

Hypoxia

Psychoactive drugs (e.g., hallucinogens)

Migraine

Confusional migraine

Basilar migraine

Basilar artery TIA

Sleep disorders

Narcolepsy/cataplexy

Benign sleep myoclonus

Movement disorders

Tics

Nonepileptic myoclonus

Paroxysmal choreoathetosis

Special considerations in children

Breath-holding spells

Migraine with recurrent abdominal pain and cyclic vomiting

Benign paroxysmal vertigo

Apnea

Night terrors

Sleepwalking