Seizure Causes and Prevention: What You Need to Know
Learn about the common causes of seizures and effective prevention strategies. This guide covers risk factors, triggers, and tips to help reduce seizure occurrences.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause a variety of symptoms. They affect people of all ages and can vary in severity from mild episodes to life-threatening conditions. Understanding the causes of seizures and how to prevent them is vital in managing this condition and improving the quality of life for individuals living with seizures.
What Are Seizures?
Seizures occur when the normal electrical activity in the brain is disrupted, causing a temporary disturbance in brain function. This can lead to various physical and mental symptoms, such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, confusion, and unusual sensations or behaviours. Seizures can happen for a variety of reasons, and not all seizures are linked to epilepsy. Some may occur due to medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or other triggers.
Causes of Seizures
The causes of seizures can be divided into two main categories: provoked seizures and unprovoked seizures.
1. Provoked Seizures
Provoked seizures are those that occur in response to a specific trigger or external factor. These seizures are often temporary and may not lead to a long-term seizure disorder. Some common causes include:
Head Injury or Trauma: A blow to the head or injury to the brain can disrupt normal brain activity and lead to a seizure. This can be especially true for people who experience a concussion or more severe brain injury.
Infections: Certain infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscesses, can cause inflammation in the brain and lead to seizures. Sepsis (a severe infection in the bloodstream) may also contribute to seizure activity.
High Fever (Febrile Seizures): Children under the age of five are especially prone to febrile seizures, which are often triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature due to an infection or illness.
Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal: Sudden withdrawal from alcohol, recreational drugs, or certain medications can lead to seizures. This is particularly common in individuals with alcohol dependency or who have been on long-term drug treatments that affect the brain.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia): Extremely low blood sugar levels can cause confusion, dizziness, and, in severe cases, seizures. This is especially common in people with diabetes who may experience blood sugar imbalances.
Electrolyte Imbalances: Imbalances in essential minerals, such as sodium, calcium, or magnesium, can trigger seizures. This can occur in individuals who experience dehydration, malnutrition, or kidney issues.
2. Unprovoked Seizures
Unprovoked seizures occur without an obvious external trigger and are often associated with epilepsy, a condition where seizures recur over time. The causes of unprovoked seizures can be less clear, but some factors that may contribute include:
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is the most common condition associated with unprovoked seizures. It is a neurological disorder in which the brain experiences abnormal electrical activity, leading to recurrent seizures. There are different types of epilepsy, and the causes can range from genetic factors to structural brain changes.
Genetic Factors: Some people are genetically predisposed to epilepsy. Specific gene mutations or inherited conditions can increase the likelihood of developing epilepsy and having seizures.
Brain Structural Abnormalities: Malformations or damage to the brain, such as scars or tumours, can create irregular brain activity that leads to seizures. Structural issues may result from congenital disabilities, stroke, or injury.
Stroke or Brain Tumours: A stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, can result in seizures. Brain tumours, whether benign or malignant, can also cause seizures if they press on areas of the brain that control electrical activity.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect brain function and increase the risk of seizures, especially in the later stages of the illness.
Pregnancy-Related Seizures: Some women may experience seizures during pregnancy due to conditions such as eclampsia or preeclampsia. These seizures can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, and timely medical intervention is critical.
Recognising Seizure Symptoms
Seizures can manifest in different ways, depending on the type of seizure and the area of the brain affected. Some common symptoms to look out for include:
Tonic-clonic seizures (Grand Mal Seizures) are the most recognisable type of seizure. They often involve violent muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, and jerking movements. Afterwards, the individual may feel confused, exhausted, or disoriented.
Absence Seizures (Petit Mal Seizures): These seizures are brief and involve a sudden loss of awareness or a "blank stare". The person may appear to be daydreaming, and the episode usually lasts only a few seconds.
Focal seizures affect only one part of the brain and can cause symptoms such as unusual sensations, uncontrolled movements, or confusion. They may or may not involve loss of consciousness.
Myoclonic Seizures: These seizures cause sudden, brief jerks or twitches of muscles and are often seen in conditions like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Atonic Seizures: Also known as “drop attacks”, these involve a sudden loss of muscle strength, causing the person to collapse or fall.
Preventing Seizures: Practical Advice
While not all seizures can be prevented, there are several strategies that may help reduce the risk or frequency of seizures, particularly for those with epilepsy or a history of seizures.
1. Take Medications as Prescribed
For individuals diagnosed with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, adhering to prescribed medication regimens is crucial. Anti-seizure medications (also known as antiepileptic drugs, AEDs) help control and prevent seizures by stabilising electrical activity in the brain. Skipping doses or suddenly stopping medication can trigger seizures.
2. Avoid Triggers
Identifying and avoiding seizure triggers can help manage the condition. Common triggers include:
Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation is a known seizure trigger. Aim for a regular sleep schedule to ensure adequate rest each night.
Stress: Emotional or physical stress can provoke seizures in some individuals. Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, may help manage stress levels.
Flashing Lights: Certain individuals with photosensitive epilepsy may experience seizures triggered by flashing or flickering lights, such as those from television screens, strobe lights, or video games. Minimise exposure to such stimuli when possible.
3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Balanced Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients helps maintain overall brain health. For people with epilepsy, some may benefit from a ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) under the guidance of a medical professional.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote overall health. However, be cautious when exercising, as certain types of activities may increase the risk of injury if a seizure occurs.
Hydration: Ensure proper hydration, as dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances that may trigger seizures.
4. Manage Underlying Health Conditions
Managing other medical conditions that may contribute to seizures is important. This includes controlling diabetes to prevent low blood sugar, managing blood pressure, and addressing any infections or illnesses promptly.
5. Seek Support
Living with a seizure disorder can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Seeking support from a healthcare provider, counsellor, or epilepsy support group can provide reassurance, practical tips, and emotional support.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience a seizure for the first time, or if your seizures become more frequent or severe, it's important to seek medical advice immediately. An accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan can help manage the condition effectively.
Conclusion
Seizures can have many causes, but understanding the underlying triggers and risk factors can help in preventing them. By adhering to prescribed treatments, avoiding known triggers, leading a healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular medical care, individuals can reduce the likelihood of seizures and improve their overall well-being. If you or someone you know experiences seizures, it's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and support. By staying informed and proactive, you can take control of your health and minimise the impact of seizures on your life.
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