What are seizure triggers?

What are seizure triggers?

Seizure triggers are events or something that happens before the start of your seizure.

Commonly reported seizure triggers include:

• Stress.
• Sleep issues such as not sleeping well, not getting enough sleep, being overtired, disrupted sleep and sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
• Alcohol use, alcohol withdrawal, recreational drug use.
• Hormonal changes or menstrual hormonal changes.
• Illness, fever.
• Flashing lights or patterns.
• Not eating healthy, balanced meals or drinking enough fluids; vitamin and mineral deficiencies, skipping meals.
• Physical overexertion.
• Specific foods (caffeine is a common trigger).
• Dehydration.
• Certain times of the day or night.
• Use of certain medications. Diphenhydramine, an ingredient in cold, allergy and sleep over-the-counter products, is a reported trigger.
• Missed anti-seizure medication doses.