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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Columbus Reynoldsburg, OH
July 1
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Lack of sleep
Not staying on medication schedule
Certain Foods
Alcohol
Change in weather
Change of environment
Change in climate
Change in weather
The sun/ certain types of light
Stress/ anxiety / depression

Theses are just a few of them many that can trigger seizures

July 1
MyEpilepsyTeam

There are many common seizure triggers, and they can vary quite a bit from person to person. Here are some of the most frequently reported ones:

- Missed medication – Skipping doses of anti-seizure medication is one of the most common triggers
- Lack of sleep – Not getting enough rest can make the brain more prone to Show Full Answer

There are many common seizure triggers, and they can vary quite a bit from person to person. Here are some of the most frequently reported ones:

- Missed medication – Skipping doses of anti-seizure medication is one of the most common triggers
- Lack of sleep – Not getting enough rest can make the brain more prone to seizures
- Stress – Emotional or psychological stress, including anxiety or intense emotions
- Alcohol – Even small amounts can be a trigger for some people, and heavy drinking is especially risky
- Illness or fever – Being sick, even with something minor, can increase seizure risk
- Flashing lights or visual patterns – Known as photosensitive epilepsy, this affects some people
- Hormonal changes – Shifts during the menstrual cycle can be a trigger
- Low blood sugar – Skipping meals or eating irregularly can play a role
- Caffeine and stimulants – Higher doses may lower the seizure threshold
- Certain medications – Some can interfere with seizure control It's worth noting that triggers rarely act alone. Seizures often happen when several factors overlap β€” like stress during a week of poor sleep, for example.

Keeping a seizure diary is a great way to spot your personal patterns. Note the date, time, and any circumstances surrounding each seizure. There are also apps that can help track this over time.

If you notice a pattern, sharing it with your care team can help them adjust your management plan.

July 1

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