Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which disrupts normal communication between nerve cells (neurons). Various factors can trigger or cause seizures, including:
- Brain-related causes:
- Epilepsy (a common cause of recurrent seizures)
- Brain injury or trauma (including head injuries and brain bleeds)
- Stroke or vascular diseases affecting the brain
- Brain infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, HIV, or parasitic infections
- Brain tumors or congenital brain defects
- Developmental brain disorders and genetic conditions
- Brain damage before birth due to infection, poor nutrition, or lack of oxygen
- Metabolic and systemic causes:
- Abnormal blood levels of sodium, glucose, or other electrolytes
- High fever (febrile seizures, especially in children)
- Serious illnesses including COVID-19
- Poisoning or toxin buildup from liver or kidney failure
- Very high blood pressure (malignant hypertension)
- Heat illness or heat exhaustion
- Substance-related causes:
- Alcohol misuse, including withdrawal from alcohol
- Use of recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, or PCP
- Withdrawal from certain medications, including benzodiazepines or narcotics
- Some prescription medications (e.g., antipsychotics, asthma drugs)
- Other triggers:
- Lack of sleep or extreme stress
- Hormonal changes (e.g., during menstrual cycle)
- Dehydration or skipping meals
- Flashing or bright lights (photosensitive seizures)
- Repetitive sounds or stimuli
Seizures can be classified as provoked (triggered by an identifiable cause like fever, infection, or metabolic imbalance) or unprovoked (occurring without an immediate cause, often linked to underlying neurological predispositions such as epilepsy)
. In summary, seizures can result from a wide range of causes including brain abnormalities, infections, metabolic disturbances, substance use, and environmental triggers. Identifying the cause is important for treatment and prevention of recurrence.
