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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
RΔ«ga Latvija

What scents in a room can aggravate seizures? For example, can the pungent smell of manure trigger seizures?

March 17
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Reactions
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Sadly I be .. strong perfume or cologne on people .. strong bleach (which be why we do not like being in hospital) .. garlic or onion .. alcohol .. spoilt food .. body odour .. vomit, diarrhea, urine and blood .. (yes ., especially my own!) And my wife Jen .. who not be epileptic .. also be sensitive to strong smells .. so .. many times we end up throwing up on each other as she be cleaning me up after a bad seizure .. that be when we choose to laugh with each other over the awful nonsense of it all .. and that be not such a bad thing .. cause it bring us even closer as we fight this together ,, Jen be calling this quiet love .. hugs and prayers to you all ..William and JenπŸ’œπŸ’™πŸ€—πŸ€—πŸ˜­πŸ˜‚πŸŒ±βš˜πŸ•ŠπŸ•Š

March 18
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

That not a common trigger. But there are people who’s seizures get triggered by some type of smell or scent.

I’m not one of those people.

March 17
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

As a Researcher in Epileptic Triggers, the 10 triggers given are only the tip of the iceberg.
There are roughly 55 more other triggers that are all different and seizure related.

The triggers will act differently on different people with epilepsy. You can read my story and you will find the list of the Epileptic Triggers.

Something else about Seizure Triggers, one type of trigger may effect one person, but the same trigger probably won't do anything to another person.
Thank you
From a fellow Warrior and Friend,
Tom W. Morgan
Researcher in Epileptic Triggers

March 17
MyEpilepsyTeam

Can strong scents like manure trigger seizures?

Based on current information about epilepsy triggers, there isn't definitive data showing that specific scents or smells directly trigger seizures for most people with epilepsy.

The most commonly recognized triggers include:

* Sleep deprivation
* Stress
* Missed medication doses Show Full Answer

Can strong scents like manure trigger seizures?

Based on current information about epilepsy triggers, there isn't definitive data showing that specific scents or smells directly trigger seizures for most people with epilepsy.

The most commonly recognized triggers include:

* Sleep deprivation
* Stress
* Missed medication doses
* Alcohol consumption
* Flashing lights (for photosensitive epilepsy)
* Illness or fever
* Hormonal changes

That said, some people do notice individual patterns where certain factors seem to trigger their seizures. A MyEpilepsyTeam member mentioned that doctors acknowledge some people are sensitive to certain things, even if there isn't definitive scientific data about those specific triggers.

If you've noticed a pattern where strong smells like manure seem to precede your seizures, it's worth tracking this and discussing it with your neurologist. They can help determine if there's a genuine connection or if other factors might be at play.

Keep a seizure diary noting what you were exposed to before seizures occur. This can help identify your personal trigger patterns, even if they're uncommon.

March 17