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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.

Hi everyone , can I ask if any of you have noticed.. You getting more triggers as you’re getting older , I’m asking as I have!

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Carlisle, UK

I have had Epilepsy for nearly 23 years , which was caused by my sons traumatic birth I had with him.. As I’ve got older it’s getting more dangerous for me & scary to live with , the medication I’m on doesn’t control it very well.. I’m waiting to have an MRI to get some answers , and why I don’t have any warnings or signs when I’m going into one.. Which is scary for me as I have no memory of them happening , unless I’m told by the person who has witnessed me having them.. It’s starting to affect… read more

April 20
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

it ain't easy when you have regular seizures even with medication but you are just as much at risk injuring yourself at home as you are when you're out
being housebound doesn't help with things like depression either
I have regular seizures even tonic clonic ones but I try and get out as much as I can even though I know a seizure can happen at any time
I've got an appointment with my neurologist in September
the first I've had in about 5 years
I do see an epilepsy nurse 1-2 times a year as well
but I always carry my emergency meds on me if you have had a seizure and are not good then yes it can be draining and you need to rest but do try and get out when you don't feel too bad
that's what I do and not worry about what might happen if I have a seizure I just don't go to remote places any more always places where I know there will be other people walking around and I always use public transport
I hope you get the results you need

April 20
MyEpilepsyTeam

Have you noticed more seizure triggers as you've gotten older?

It's understandable to feel scared and isolated when seizures become harder to manage. While epilepsy affects everyone differently, some people do find their triggers or seizure patterns change over time.

The most common seizure triggers include:

* Sleep Show Full Answer

Have you noticed more seizure triggers as you've gotten older?

It's understandable to feel scared and isolated when seizures become harder to manage. While epilepsy affects everyone differently, some people do find their triggers or seizure patterns change over time.

The most common seizure triggers include:

* Sleep deprivation
* Stress
* Missed or ineffective medication
* Alcohol consumption
* Being ill with infections or other illnesses
* Hormonal changes
* Low blood sugar

As life circumstances change with age, you might be exposed to different stressors or health conditions that could act as triggers. Some people also become more sensitive to certain triggers over time. About not having warnings before seizures:

Not everyone experiences auras (warning signs) before seizures. A MyEpilepsyTeam member described having symptoms like feeling spaced out, nausea, or forced thinking before seizures, but noted they can't always control whether they're aware enough to lie down or tell someone what's happening.

The lack of warning signs can definitely make seizures more frightening and impact your independence. This is something important to discuss with your neurologist during your MRI follow-up. Tracking your triggers:

Consider keeping a seizure journal to identify patterns. One MyEpilepsyTeam member discovered their trigger was hypoglycemia and dehydration by tracking pre-seizure conditions. Recording details like sleep quality, stress levels, meals, and any illness might help you and your doctor identify what's making your seizures worse.

It's crucial to discuss your medication concerns with your healthcare team. If your current medication isn't controlling seizures well, there may be other treatment options to explore. Don't lose hope—many people find better control with adjustments to their treatment plan.

April 20

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