Seizures can feel like they strike out of nowhere, leaving you shaken and uncertain. But what if you could get a better grip on what sets them off? In this article, we’ll dive into some of seizure triggers in adults. While everyone’s journey is different, knowing your potential triggers can make all the difference.
Keep reading as we explore a few of these factors, and how recognizing them could help you work with your healthcare provider to take back control.
Trigger No. 1: Stress
Stress is one of the most frequently reported seizure triggers in adults. Both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) stress can significantly impact how often seizures occur and how severe they are.
Research shows that people with epilepsy tend to have more seizures on high-stress days. Stress doesn't just increase the likelihood of having a seizure; it may even raise the risk of developing epilepsy, especially when the stress is severe, long-lasting, or experienced early in life.
Types of Stress That Can Trigger Seizures
Acute stress – This includes sudden emotional shocks, unpleasant events, or stressful situations like job interviews.
Chronic stress – Examples include major life changes, ongoing daily stress, or past trauma, particularly from childhood.
Trigger No. 2: Alcohol-Dependence
For adults with alcohol dependence, seizures can be a serious concern.
The most well-known type of seizure related to alcohol dependence occurs during withdrawal. These typically happen 6 to 48 hours after the last drink as alcohol levels in the blood drop. They usually affect the whole body and are diagnosed based on when they occur and a history of heavy drinking.
Factors That Increase Seizure Risks
Several things can make alcohol withdrawal seizures more likely:
A history of heavy drinking
Having had alcohol withdrawal seizures before
Genetic factors
Some researchers believe that repeated cycles of heavy drinking and withdrawal might make the brain more sensitive to seizures over time, potentially leading to the development of epilepsy.
Trigger No. 3: Traumatic Head Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a well-known seizure trigger in adults. The chance of developing epilepsy after a TBI varies greatly depending on how severe the injury is.
Types of Seizures After Head Injury
Immediate seizures – Happen within 24 hours of the injury
Early seizures – Occur within one week of the injury
Late seizures – Happen more than a week after the injury (these may indicate post-traumatic epilepsy)
What Increases Your Risk
Several factors can make seizures more likely after a head injury:
How severe the injury is
Presence of bleeding or swelling in the brain
Specific neurological symptoms
Skull fractures
Metal fragments in the brain
Trigger No. 4: Illicit Drug Use
Using illegal drugs can significantly increase your risk of having a seizure. Different substances affect seizure risk in various ways.
Studies have shown a strong link between heroin use and an increased risk of experiencing a first-time seizure. Using heroin within 24 hours is particularly dangerous, with a very high risk of triggering a seizure.
Interestingly, some research suggests that marijuana use might actually protect against first-time seizures, but only in men. However, this finding needs more investigation to understand why this might be the case.
Other illegal drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine can also lower the brain's resistance to seizures and increase seizure risk.
Trigger No. 5: Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are a significant structural cause of seizures in adults. The risk and characteristics of seizures vary depending on the type of tumor and where it's located in the brain.
Tumor Types and Seizure Risk
Different types of brain tumors have different likelihoods of causing seizures:
Gliomas – These tumors arise from the brain's supportive tissue called glial cells.
Low-grade gliomas – These slower-growing tumors actually have a higher chance of causing seizures, with 65 to 90% of patients experiencing them. This might seem counterintuitive, but it's thought that the slower growth allows the surrounding brain tissue to become more irritable over time.
High-grade gliomas – Despite being more aggressive, these faster-growing tumors have a somewhat lower seizure risk, affecting 40 to 62% of patients. This might be because they can quickly destroy brain tissue rather than irritating it.
Meningiomas – These tumors develop in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
About 26 to 31% of people with meningiomas experience seizures before they have surgery to remove the tumor.
While generally benign (non-cancerous), meningiomas can still cause seizures by pressing on or irritating nearby brain tissue.
Metastases – This refers to cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body.
Approximately 35% of people with brain metastases experience seizures.
For about 20% of these patients, a seizure is actually the first sign that cancer has spread to their brain.
Seek Professional Help from a Neurological Center in Arizona
It's crucial for adults living with epilepsy or at risk for seizures to understand these triggers. By recognizing and addressing these triggers, you can work with your healthcare team to develop more effective strategies for managing your condition.
For those in Arizona, Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center, with locations in Chandler and Mesa, offers expert neurological care. Additionally, you can also book a telehealth appointment with us! Our specialists provide advanced diagnostics and treatments for seizure disorders, ensuring personalized care to help you manage your neurological health effectively.
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