Epilepsy Causes
Everyone can get a seizure, but some people have a lower seizure threshold and can get one from minor external factors and even for no apparent reason at all.
Epilepsy can emerge from an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters, an abnormality in brain wiring, or a combination of factors. Research suggests that some people with epilepsy have a high level of excitatory neurotransmitters that increase neuronal activity, while others have an abnormally low level of inhibitory neurotransmitters that decrease neuronal activity in the brain. Either situation can result in too much neuronal activity and can cause epilepsy. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a role in epilepsy. Important drugs have been developed from the study of GABA.
The causes of epilepsy can be put into three main categories:
1.Symptomatic epilepsy
In this case a cause can be identified. It cause could be because of a head injury, a stroke, infections of the brain or scars on the brain. Brain scans can help identify the cause.
2.Idiopathic epilepsy
In this case it is difficult to identify a cause. It is believed that a person has epilepsy simply because of a low seizure threshold.
3. Cryptogenic epilepsy
A person may be told they have cryptogenic epilepsy if it is not clear if the have symptomatic or idiopathic epilepsy. In this case it often believed that the cause of epilepsy is not because of a low seizure threshold but because of some physical problem that is not yet discovered.
Epilepsy often runs in the family and research suggests that genetic factors may be some of the most important causes of epilepsy. In some cases an abnormality in specific genes can be identified. With that said, in many forms of epilepsy research shows that genes may contribute, or increase the chances of getting epilepsy, but do not cause the disorder on their own.
In many cases brain damage from other disorders can cause epilepsy. Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, alcoholism can all increase the chances of getting epilepsy because they alter how the brain functions. Heart attacks, strokes any other conditions that restrict the flow of oxygen to the brain can also contribute to the onset of epilepsy.
Epilepsy commonly shows itself along side other disorders like cerebral palsy, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and autism, among others.
Head injuries can lead to epilepsy so using safety equipment like helmets on a bicycle can help reduce the chances of getting the disorder. In the process of healing itself after a head injury the brain can generate abnormal nerve connections, contributing to the onset of epilepsy.
Triggers
Once someone has epilepsy there are many triggers that can increase the number of seizures and their severity. Not everyone has the same triggers but below is a list of some of the common ones. A patient should try and identify what triggers seizures for them and try and avoid these situations. Keeping a record of your seizures in a diary can help in this process.
A list of common triggers- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Missing doses of anti-seizure medication
- Drug abuse (including alcohol)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Menstrual cycle
- Over the counter medications
- Exposure to flashing lights
Stress
There are many ways stress can induce seizures:
1.Increase the steroid hormone cortisol
2.Cause negative emotions
3.Cause you to miss your medications
4.Trigger hyperventilation
How can manage stress:
1.Avoid situations that are stressful to you as much as possible
2.Relaxation techniques
3.Get enough sleep
4.Take your seizure medicine regularly
Nutritional deficiencies
There is no proof that low levels of sugar in the blood can trigger seizures. However, if you have epilepsy it is not a bad idea to eat regularly and have a balanced diet.
Menstrual cycle
Many women report that there is a greater chance of having seizurs during their monthly menstrual period.
Over the counter medications
There are some drugs that you can buy over the counter that can affect one’s chance of getting a seizure. You should consult your doctor regarding the drugs you are taking. Diphenhydramine, an active ingredient in some cold medications like Benadryl can increase the chance of getting a seizure.