No two cases of Epilepsy are
the same. One person’s seizure triggers might be different from someone else’s
triggers. But usually, there are several well-known and extremely common
triggers. Some of the triggers are
listed below.
Missed Medication
Missed consumption of medication is the #1 reason as to why people
with controlled seizures might have breakthrough ones (sudden, unexpected
seizures in a person who might have previously had control over seizures).
Lack of Sleep
Being in a good night’s sleep is important for everyone, but it is especially
important if you have epilepsy.
Stress
Stress might take a physical toll on the body. It might lead to headaches,
sleeplessness, or shall enhance the risk for conditions including heart disease
or diabetes, only when it is long-lasting. In case of Epilepsy, stress can also bring on severe seizures.
Alcohol
In small amounts (i.e. 1 to 2 standard drinks) alcohol does not typically
lead to seizures. However, binge drinking i.e. having too much alcohol at once
in a short period of time or cases of having 3 or more drinks can be triggering.
Menstruation
About half of women of childbearing age with epilepsy might have increased
seizures around their period. This shall likely occur due to hormonal changes while
the monthly cycle.
The Common Cold, a Sinus
Infection or the Flu
Fever is known to be the physical stress of being sick, and
dehydration (from not drinking or eating normally or due to vomiting) might all
get on seizures.
A Whole Host of Other Things
Flashing lights might lead to seizures in some people, but it might be
much less frequent than one shall imagine. In fact, only 3% of people with Epilepsy are photosensitive (react inversely
to the flashlights).
The Final Word
It does not matter if the cause is known or not, or if the only
person, the physician has heard of with that trigger. Know the body best, if
something regularly triggers seizures, take it seriously and do best to avoid the
condition.
One of the most important things that can be done is to talk to the
healthcare provider. Do not try some new treatment, or let the possibility of a
seizure scare away from an antibiotic, or even avoid watching a movie, without
talking to the provider, first.