Clinical distinction of reflex (vasovagal) syncope from seizures
| Syncope | Seizure | |
| Trigger | Common (upright, bathroom, blood, needles) | Rare (flashing lights, hyperventilation) |
| Prodrome | Almost always (presyncope) | Common (aura) |
| Onset | Gradual (often minutes) | Usually sudden |
| Duration | 1–30 seconds | 1–3 minutes |
| Convulsive jerks | Common (brief) | Common (prolonged) |
| Incontinence | Uncommon | Common |
| Lateral tongue bite | Very rare | Common |
| Colour | Very pale | Pale (simple partial seizure) Red, blue (tonic-clonic seizure) |
| Post-ictal confusion | Rare (eg, wakes on floor) | Common (eg, wakes in ambulance) |
| Recovery | Rapid (quickly orientated) | Slow (confused) |