Causes and Triggers
Q: What causes Epilepsy?
There is no single cause of Epilepsy. Many factors can injure the nerve cells in the brain or the way the nerve cells communicate with each other. In approximately 65% of all cases there is NO known cause. The following are some of the most frequently identified causes:
- Head injury that causes scaring of the brain tissue.
- Trauma at birth, or high fever.
- Excessively rough handling or shaking of infants.
- Certain drugs or toxic substances when administered in large doses.
- Interruption of blood flow to the brain caused by stroke, tumour, or certain cardiovascular problems.
- Diseases which alter the balance of blood or its chemical structure, or diseases that damage the nerve cells in the brain.
When physicians can identify the underlying disorder, such as those mentioned above, the condition is referred to as "Symptomatic" Epilepsy. In some cases, however, the underlying disorder can't be identified and this is called "Idiopathic" Epilepsy.
Q: Is Epilepsy inherited?
In most cases Epilepsy is not inherited. In a few cases the tendency towards Epilepsy might be inherited, but even with this tendency certain conditions must exist in the brain before a person will experience epileptic seizures. It is most unlikely that children will inherit the disorder.
Q: Is Epilepsy contagious?
Epilepsy is in no way contagious. No one can get the disorder by talking to, kissing, or touching somebody with Epilepsy. Epilepsy can only be transmitted through hereditary transfer. Epilepsy that runs in families suggests an underlying metabolic or genetic etiology, and this is the least common of all Epilepsy causes.
Q: Is it caused by a virus?
Epilepsy can be the result of an infection or disease. Some conditions known to have a risk of resulting in Epilepsy are meningitis, viral encephalitis, and less frequently mumps, measles, diphtheria, and abscesses.
Q: Can certain things trigger seizures?
In some cases, epileptic seizures can be triggered by things that happen in the environment. Seizures can be triggered by flashing lights or sudden changes from dark to light (or vice versa). Other people can react to loud noises or monotonous sounds, or even certain musical notes. It is important for people with Epilepsy to learn what kinds of events can trigger seizures for them.
Q: Can seizures be triggered by flashing lights?
"Photosensitive Epilepsy" is the name given to a form of the disorder where seizures are triggered by flickering or flashing lights. Though it occurs more frequently in girls aged 6-12, it can occur at any age and regardless of gender.
Q: Can certain foods or drinks cause seizures?
People with Epilepsy should have regular meals at regular intervals and pay attention to what they eat and drink. Prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as food additives, may interact with anti-convulsant drugs. Alcohol can lower seizure thresholds.
Q: Can lack of sleep cause seizures?
Excessive sleep deprivation can lower seizure thresholds and possibly result in a seizure. Lack of sleep is known to be an important precipitating factor in causing seizures. Other factors that can lower seizure thresholds are high fever, increased excitement, and changes in body chemistry. It is important for people with Epilepsy to learn what kinds of events can trigger seizures for them.
Q: Can low blood sugar trigger seizures?
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can induce epileptic-type seizures. This condition can be caused by diet or by drugs such as insulin. This is not really Epilepsy since it is not recurrent seizures that are due to abnormal brain activity. Here the seizures are directly caused by the blood sugar levels.
Q: Can Nutrasweet (Aspartame) trigger seizures?
In 1984, there were 3 reports about large amounts of Aspartame causing a lowering of the seizure threshold and therefore increasing seizure activity. The Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta did a review of this and were unable to find any cause or effect relationship at normal doses. More recently, Aspartame has been found to be unsuitable for some children with generalized absence Epilepsy. A Queen's University study looked at the brain-wave patterns in 10 children and the effects of the artificial sweetener "Nutrasweet". A 40% increase in abnormal brain-wave activity associated with absence seizures was found in this study. However, there was no effect on the actual number of seizures. Research on this topic is continuing.
Q: Does alcohol affect seizures?
Alcohol can raise and then lower the seizure threshold, and thus increases the tendency to have a seizure. More important are interactions between alcohol and seizure medicines. Also, some drugs of abuse, especially cocaine and amphetamines, can cause seizures. Some prescription medications when taken in large doses can also bring on seizures.
