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July 20
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

That is what had figured but none of my doctors would agree with me. I did a lot of research on epilepsy since my mom did not want to know anything. So I was the one that collected information and spread information to my friends on the street. I was not happy that I have it, I was teased all during my school years. College was hard getting enough sleep.

August 3
MyEpilepsyTeam

Could being born prematurely have contributed to developing epilepsy? The short answer is: quite possibly, yes.

Research does show a meaningful link between premature birth and a higher risk of epilepsy. Being born before 37 weeks is considered preterm, and the earlier the birth, the greater the risk appears to be. One large Show Full Answer

Could being born prematurely have contributed to developing epilepsy? The short answer is: quite possibly, yes.

Research does show a meaningful link between premature birth and a higher risk of epilepsy. Being born before 37 weeks is considered preterm, and the earlier the birth, the greater the risk appears to be. One large Swedish study found that people born very prematurely (between 23 and 31 weeks) were around 5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to epilepsy later in life compared to those born full-term. Being born 2 months early would put someone right in that higher-risk window. Researchers believe a couple of things may explain this connection:

- Oxygen deprivation before or during birth may cause brain injury
- Impaired brain development resulting from the preterm birth itself

Both of these factors can affect how the brain develops and functions, potentially increasing the likelihood of seizures. It's worth noting that premature birth doesn't guarantee epilepsy — it simply raises the risk. There are also other potential contributing factors, such as genetics and brain structure. A neurologist would be best placed to help piece together what may have contributed in any individual case.

July 20

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Parsons, TN