WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN... A faint and fit

It can be hard for doctors to decide whether a patient who has a mild episode of loss of consciousness has had a fit or a faint. Even if the body jerks frequently it may not be a sign of epilepsy.

A test which involves counting the number of jerks has come up with a 10/20 rule. Fewer than 10 jerks means fainting, more than 20 means epilepsy. During a faint, muscles usually become relaxed and heavy. In an epileptic seizure the jerks are rhythmic.