Epilepsy is a condition that causes repeated seizures due to unusual electrical activity in the brain. Understanding what triggers seizures can help people with epilepsy avoid situations that increase the risk of having one. Triggers are different for each person, and while some people can identify specific things that bring on seizures, others may not see any clear pattern. By knowing the most common triggers, people with epilepsy can take steps to prevent seizures and manage their condition more effectively.
■ What Are Seizure Triggers?
A seizure trigger is anything that increases the chances of a seizure happening. Triggers don’t cause epilepsy, but they can cause a seizure in someone who already has the condition. Triggers can vary greatly from person to person, and what affects one person may not affect another. Some common seizure triggers include lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, and missing medication doses.
1. Lack of Sleep
Not getting enough sleep is one of the most common triggers for seizures. Sleep is very important for brain health, and when a person doesn’t get enough, it can disrupt the brain’s electrical activity, making a seizure more likely. Many people with epilepsy find that they have more seizures when they are tired or haven’t slept well.
How to Reduce the Risk: Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help fall asleep more easily, such as avoiding screens before bed and keeping the bedroom dark and quiet.
2. Stress and Anxiety
High levels of stress or sudden emotional changes can sometimes trigger seizures. Stress can make it harder for the brain to function normally, leading to changes in electrical activity that might cause a seizure. This is why it’s important for people with epilepsy to find ways to manage stress in their daily lives.
How to Reduce the Risk: Practice stress management techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Regular physical activity can also help reduce stress. Keeping a seizure diary to track which situations cause stress can help identify patterns and avoid stressful triggers.
3. Flashing Lights and Visual Patterns
Some people have photosensitive epilepsy, which means bright or flashing lights, certain visual patterns, or even video games can trigger seizures. This type of epilepsy is more common in children and teenagers. For people with photosensitive epilepsy, watching TV, using a computer, or being exposed to strobe lights can be risky.
How to Reduce the Risk: Avoid places or situations with flashing lights, like nightclubs or some concerts. Use screen filters to reduce brightness on TVs, computers, or smartphones. When watching TV or playing video games, sit farther away from the screen and take regular breaks to rest the eyes.
4. Skipping Medication
People with epilepsy usually take anti-seizure medications to help control their seizures. These medications work by balancing the electrical activity in the brain. Missing a dose or not taking the medication as prescribed can increase the risk of having a seizure.
How to Reduce the Risk: Take medications exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Use a pill organizer or set reminders on a phone to remember to take them on time. If side effects make it hard to take the medication, talk to a doctor about adjusting the dosage or trying a different medicine.
5. Alcohol and Drug Use
Alcohol and certain drugs can increase the risk of seizures, even in people who don’t have epilepsy. Alcohol changes the way the brain works, and it can interfere with the effectiveness of seizure medications. The risk of having a seizure is also higher when alcohol is leaving the system, like when a person has a hangover. Illegal drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can also trigger seizures because they affect brain chemistry.
How to Reduce the Risk: Limit or avoid alcohol and never use illegal drugs. Talk to a doctor about whether it’s safe to drink alcohol, and if so, how much is okay. Some people with epilepsy can have a small amount of alcohol without any problems, but it’s best to be cautious.
6. Hormonal Changes
For some women, hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle can make seizures more likely. This is called catamenial epilepsy. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect the brain’s electrical activity, and changes in their levels can trigger seizures in some women.
How to Reduce the Risk: Keep track of seizures on a calendar to see if they happen more often at certain times of the month. Talk to a doctor about hormone treatments, like birth control pills, that can help balance hormone levels. Some women find that taking extra anti-seizure medication during their menstrual cycle can reduce the number of seizures.
7. Certain Foods or Drinks
Some people with epilepsy find that specific foods or drinks can trigger seizures. This can include caffeine, high-sugar foods, or foods that they are allergic to. While this is less common, it’s still important to pay attention to what you eat and drink.
How to Reduce the Risk: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and whether it seems to affect your seizures. Limit caffeine, sugary foods, and other items that might be linked to seizures. If you have food allergies, avoid those foods and talk to a doctor about how to manage them.
■ How to Identify Personal Triggers
Every person with epilepsy is different, and triggers can vary greatly. Keeping a seizure diary can help identify personal triggers and patterns. Write down what happened before the seizure, what you were doing, what you ate, and how you were feeling. Over time, you may see a pattern that can help you avoid certain situations or activities.
■ Conclusion
Seizures can be triggered by many different things, and learning what affects you personally is an important step in managing epilepsy. Some of the most common seizure triggers include lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, and skipping medication. By understanding these triggers and taking steps to avoid them, people with epilepsy can reduce the number of seizures they have and improve their quality of life.
If you or someone you know has epilepsy, talk to a healthcare professional to create a personalized plan that includes identifying and managing seizure triggers. With the right approach, most people with epilepsy can live healthy, active lives.
