Epilepsy: identifying and tracking seizure triggers

Also called nerve cells, neurons are the cells that transmit information from one part of the body to another, using electric and chemical activity.

A seizure is an episode of abnormal electrical activity that occurs in the brain. These episodes can cause temporary changes in movement, consciousness, behavior, and feelings. There are different types of seizures, which cause varying levels of symptoms. Some cause brief lapses in attention, while others can cause severe convulsions and altered states of consciousness. Sometimes there are warning signs leading up to a seizure, other times seizures occur with no warning.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurring seizures. While it can develop for many reasons—brain injuries, infections, genetics, developmental disorders—many cases have an unknown cause.

While there is no cure for epilepsy, it can be managed with treatment.

Reducing the frequency of seizures

For anyone living with epilepsy, the main goal of treatment will be controlling seizures. This means preventing seizures and reducing the frequency of seizures. Anti-seizure medications are the primary treatment, though treatment may also include specific diets, medical devices to regulate electrical activity in the brain, and surgery.

Avoiding and minimizing exposure to things that can trigger seizures is another important part of treatment. In order to do this, a person will need to identify potential seizure triggers.

If you or a loved one is living with epilepsy, here are two strategies that may help.

Know what seizure triggers are common

Epilepsy affects everyone differently. People experience different types of seizures, respond to different medications, and find that different factors can trigger their seizure episodes.

While triggers will vary from person to person, knowing the common triggers can be a good starting point when working to identify your own triggers.

Common seizure triggers:

• Physical exhaustion
• Illness, especially fever
• Dehydration
• Too little sleep, disrupted sleep
• Skipping meals
• Significant changes in blood glucose levels
• Recreational drugs and alcohol
• Tobacco use
• Skipping doses of anti-seizure medications or changes in the times that a person takes medications
• Flashing/strobing lights, repetitive sounds, video games, or touching certain parts of the body
• Hormonal changes (for example, changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause)
• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing, which can be caused by physical exertion or conditions like asthma)

Medications

Certain medications can sometimes trigger seizures or lower the threshold for seizures. This is an important topic to discuss with your healthcare providers:

• Ask what medications are known to trigger seizures and any medications that will need to be avoided. Ask for potential alternatives.
• Keep a list of all medications you or your loved one takes and share this with your healthcare provider. This should include all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
• Your list should also include the names, doses, and the times when you take each medication.

Foods and ingredients

Potential dietary triggers are another topic to discuss with your healthcare provider. Certain foods and substances within foods may trigger seizures in people with a type of epilepsy called reflex epilepsy.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption and alcohol withdrawal (for people who consume large amounts of alcohol) can trigger seizures.

Keep a seizure diary or journal

If you or a loved one is living with epilepsy, it's recommended to keep a diary or journal where you track seizures, along with notes about daily activities. This can help identify potential triggers. If a seizure occurs, record:

• Date and time
• Location
• What the person was doing at the time of the seizure
• Any unusual feelings before the seizure
• What parts of the body were affected
• How long the seizure lasted
• What the person remembers about the seizure
• How long it took to fully recover
• Any potential triggers for the seizure

It can also help to take notes on how you feel each day and your daily activities, including how you slept, places you visited, when you took your medications, and any notable events. Talk about what to record with your healthcare provider, who may have additional ideas of what information is helpful and how this information can help guide treatment.