Epileptic seizures can be triggered by a variety of factors, which can differ from person to person. Some common triggers include:
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Missed medication: Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed can trigger seizures.
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Sleep deprivation: Being overtired, not sleeping well, or not getting enough sleep can trigger seizures.
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Stress: Although its not known exactly why stress might trigger seizures, many people with epilepsy say that if they are feeling stressed, they are more likely to have a seizure.
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Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can trigger seizures, as can alcohol withdrawal.
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Menstruation: Some people with epilepsy find that they are more likely to have seizures at certain times of their menstrual cycle.
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Flashing or flickering lights: Around 3 in 100 people with epilepsy have seizures that are triggered by flashing or flickering lights, or some patterns. This is called photosensitive epilepsy.
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Illness: Having an illness, both with and without fever, can trigger seizures.
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Dehydration: Not eating well, long times without eating, dehydration, not enough fluids, low blood sugar, vitamins and mineral deficiencies can trigger seizures.
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Specific foods: Some people with epilepsy are sensitive to specific foods, excess caffeine, or other products that may aggravate seizures.
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Drug use: Use of cocaine and other recreational drugs such as Ecstasy can trigger seizures.
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Other medications: Other medications like hormonal replacement, pain killers, or antibiotics can trigger seizures.
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Reflex epilepsy: Some types of epilepsy are reflex epilepsies, where seizures are triggered specifically b...
