Seizure Triggers
Some people with epilepsy discover that certain events or activities seem to affect their seizures. These events are often called “triggers.” It is important to note that although these triggers may increase the likelihood of a seizure, they do not cause epilepsy.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the most common triggers include:
- Failure to take seizure medicine as prescribed (this is the most common trigger)
- Lack of sleep
- Extreme stress
- Illness or fever
- Excessive alcohol use
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Excessive use of illegal drugs
Some triggers that are specific to women are:
- Certain times during the menstrual cycle
- Hormonal changes (such as those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause)
You may have heard that flashing or flickering lights (such as sunlight, strobe lights, or a flickering TV or computer screen) can have a big effect on seizures. However, only a small percentage of people with epilepsy are especially sensitive to these light patterns.
Keep in mind that triggers differ from person to person, and some people don’t seem to have any specific triggers for their seizures.
