| | What Doctors Don't Tell You: Epilepsy - What else sets off seizures | |
The actual causes of seizures are still relatively unknown. The majority of patients with epilepsy can identify at least one precipitant that can trigger or exacerbate seizures (Epilepsia, 2000; 41: 1534-9). Although these precipitants vary with seizure type and syndrome, sleep deprivation and the daily circadian rhythm, including the sleep/wake cycle, are among the most common triggers for many patients. Other seizure precipitants include:
* Menstrual cycle
* Pregnancy
* Menopause
* Physical stress
* Emotional stress
* Alcohol
* Medications (cough medicines, antihistamines, antidepressants, antibiotics)
* Sensory stimuli (such as flashing lights)
* Metabolic disorders (such as nutritional deficiencies)