Most Common Seizure Triggers

Identifying the underlying cause of a seizure can be a complex task, as seizures are inherently unpredictable and may result from a myriad of factors beyond our control. Nevertheless, recognizing and steering clear of common triggers when possible can contribute to the management and reduction of both the frequency and intensity of seizure episodes. Below, we outline 14 prevalent triggers associated with seizures...

1. Missed Medication

It is critical to adhere to prescribed medication regimens, as deviations—whether by omission, alteration, or introduction of new medication—can significantly increase the risk of seizure events in individuals with epilepsy. Both cessation of medication or introduction of a new drug, including certain supplements, should be managed carefully with medical oversight to prevent potential seizure triggers. The Epilepsy Foundation underscores the importance of consistent medication adherence to mitigate the occurrence and intensity of seizures. Furthermore, it is noted that some types of medications, including specific antidepressants, antibiotics, and pain medications, may elevate seizure risk. Therefore, any medication changes must be conducted under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

2. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep patterns and duration are critical factors that may influence seizure frequency, particularly in individuals who are sleep-deprived. Epilepsy Action highlights fatigue and insufficient sleep as the two most prevalent triggers for seizures among those living with epilepsy. Many individuals also report experiencing their initial seizure following a situation of extended wakefulness, such as staying up all night—a scenario commonly encountered in the young adult student population.

The Epilepsy Foundation elaborates that seizures can be affected by sleep in various ways due to fluctuations in the brain’s electrical and hormonal activities during typical sleep-wake cycles. These physiological variations might explain the increased incidence of seizures during sleep for some individuals and the heightened risk of seizures associated with a lack of adequate sleep. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that the correlation between sleep and seizures does not uniformly apply to all individuals with epilepsy.

3. Hormones

Hormonal variations have been identified as a potential trigger for seizures. Women may be particularly susceptible to this risk during periods of significant hormonal shifts, including pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.

4. Drugs and Alcohol

Chronic consumption and abrupt cessation of drugs or alcohol significantly heighten the risk of seizures, often evidenced during episodes of intense usage or withdrawal. Research published in the "American Family Physician" journal in 2004 indicates that annually, approximately 2 million individuals experience alcohol withdrawal. Health.com explains that prolonged alcohol intake can lead to physical dependency, altering neural pathways. Consequently, abrupt discontinuation, particularly without medical supervision, can precipitate seizures, typically within 48 hours of the last instance of consumption.

5. Extreme Emotional Stress

Emotional stressors have been identified as potential triggers for seizure episodes. Intense emotional states, including heightened anxiety, worry, or anger, can precipitate seizures. The website Epilepsysupport.ca indicates that significant emotional arousal can compromise an individual's seizure threshold by disrupting sleep or dietary patterns. Emotions ranging from distress to even excitement may have this effect.

According to Health.com, stress-induced seizures display symptoms akin to those of epileptic seizures, such as numbness, confusion, and convulsions. However, a distinguishing factor is the lack of corresponding abnormal electrical activity in the brain that typically characterizes epileptic seizures.

6. Low Blood Sugar

Maintaining a well-regulated and nutritious diet with consistent meal times is crucial for individuals susceptible to seizures. It is frequently observed that seizures can be precipitated by either the skipping of meals or a significant drop in blood sugar levels, particularly after intense physical activity without adequate nourishment. As the brain is highly reliant on glucose for proper functioning, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, may induce seizures when the brain's glucose supply is insufficient. Therefore, vigilant glucose management is essential, especially for those affected by diabetes or hypoglycemia, to minimize the risk of seizures.

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7. Vitamin Deficiencies

There is limited empirical evidence to support the efficacy of vitamins or amino acids in the treatment of seizures, nor is there conclusive evidence to suggest that deficiencies in any specific vitamin are likely to cause seizures. Nonetheless, it is important to approach this matter with due consideration. As referenced by Epilepsy.com, deficiency in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is the sole known nutritional shortfall that can precipitate seizures. This condition is predominantly observed in infants and young children, often manifesting as seizures that are difficult to manage. Vitamin B6 is readily available in a variety of dietary sources, and deficiencies are generally uncommon outside of these demographics.

8. Bright Lights

A multitude of clinical studies have established a connection between certain seizures and environmental triggers, notably intense or strobing lights, a condition known as photosensitive epilepsy. The Epilepsy Society notes that while photosensitive epilepsy is relatively rare, it can be detected through an electroencephalogram (EEG), a diagnostic test that records the brain's electrical activity. Reflex epilepsy is a variation where seizures are induced as an immediate reaction to a photosensitive stimulus, such as flickering lights. It is imperative to recognize that such triggers are not limited to strobe lighting; rapidly alternating lights or swift shifts in coloration on screens can also induce seizures in individuals with photosensitivity.

9. Music

Musicogenic epilepsy is a unique type of epilepsy in which music prompts seizures. According to the Epilepsy Society, it's an exceptionally rare condition, affecting approximately one in ten million individuals, though the prevalence might be marginally higher. The provocation of seizures can be initiated not only by listening to music but also by engaging with music in various ways, such as playing an instrument, contemplating music, or even during dreams. Different musical styles—ranging from jazz and choral to classical and pop—can act as triggers for some people. Conversely, the Epilepsy Society has observed instances where specific musical compositions, particularly those associated with the "Mozart Effect," may aid in seizure control for others, underscoring music's complex relationship with epilepsy.

10. Fevers Or Other Illnesses

It is important to recognize that while illness is challenging in itself, those with epilepsy must be vigilant as there is a potential risk for seizures to be triggered during periods of sickness. According to Epilepsy.com, infections or common illnesses, including head colds or sinus infections, can lead to an alteration in seizure patterns. This heightened risk of seizures can be attributed to several factors, such as the presence of fever, dehydration—which may interfere with the regular intake of seizure medication—or the overall stress that comes with being unwell. It is crucial for individuals with epilepsy to take appropriate precautions and manage their health carefully during illness to reduce the likelihood of seizure occurrence.

11. Stress

Stress is widely acknowledged as a precipitant of seizures, although its precise mechanism remains elusive. According to Epilepsy Action, individuals with epilepsy often report an increased incidence of seizures during periods of stress or in stressful environments. Additionally, stress can lead to a cascade of detrimental behaviors, including excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient sleep, poor dietary choices, and heightened anxiety or depressive states. These behaviors, in turn, may contribute to the onset of seizures, potentially clarifying the notable correlation between stress and seizure activity.

12. Monthly Periods

Epilepsy Action identifies menstrual cycles as a prevalent trigger for seizures in women. It has been observed that women with epilepsy may have an increased likelihood of seizures coinciding with specific phases of their menstrual cycle, such as the onset of menstruation, ovulation, or the week leading up to menstruation. When hormonal fluctuations that regulate the menstrual cycle lead to an uptick in seizure activity, the condition is known as catamenial epilepsy, sometimes referred to as cyclical epilepsy by healthcare practitioners.

13. Certain Foods

The Epilepsy Foundation cites that specific food types may provoke seizures, though such occurrences are quite uncommon. Individuals who discern a correlation between their seizure activity and the consumption of particular foods should consult their health care provider. This is necessary to determine if an underlying medical condition, for instance, a food sensitivity, might be exacerbating their condition.

14. Heatstroke

Heatstroke poses a genuine health risk, warranting the cautions routinely advised. It serves as a notable precipitant for seizures, extending its threat beyond those with prior seizure disorders. According to Health.com, the body can struggle to regulate its temperature under intense heat and physical strain, with core temperatures reaching approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit potentially causing organ damage, inclusive of the brain. Dr. Vikram Rao, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco, explained to Health.com that elevated brain temperatures can impair cerebral function, potentially leading to a seizure as the overheated brain may start to malfunction.