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.