@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member
I have TLE that was first believed to be caused by a severe head injury but after further studies doctors now believe my seizures were caused by a lack of oxygen at birth (HIE)
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A MyEpile...
November 14, 2025 (edited)
What causes late-onset temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)?
While the cause of many TLE cases is unknown, several factors can trigger late-onset TLE:
Common causes include
* Brain injuries or trauma
* Infections of the central nervous system
* Structural abnormalities in the temporal lobe, such as scarring (mesial temporal Show Full Answer
What causes late-onset temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)?
While the cause of many TLE cases is unknown, several factors can trigger late-onset TLE:
Common causes include:
* Brain injuries or trauma
* Infections of the central nervous system
* Structural abnormalities in the temporal lobe, such as scarring (mesial temporal sclerosis or hippocampal sclerosis)
* History of febrile seizures earlier in life
Genetic factors:
Some people may have a genetic predisposition to TLE. One gene (LGI1) has been linked to TLE - it affects how brain cells communicate with each other through potassium channels.
Since you were recently diagnosed, your neurologist likely used imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to look for any structural issues in your brain that might have caused the seizures to start. They may also have done an EEG to capture seizure activity and confirm the diagnosis.
Understanding your specific cause can help guide your treatment options, which might include anti-seizure medications, dietary changes, or other therapies.
November 14, 2025