Causes
While epilepsy is the most common cause, seizures can also be caused or triggered by:
- High fever (can be associated with an infection)
- Lack of sleep
- Flashing lights, moving patterns, or visual stimulants
- Low blood sodium (can occur with diuretic therapy)
- Medications that lower seizure threshold: e.g. certain pain relievers, antidepressants, or smoking cessation therapies
- Head trauma that results in brain bleeds
- Abnormal blood vessels in the brain
- Autoimmune disorders: e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke
- Brain tumour
- Use of illicit or recreational drugs (e.g. amphetamines, cocaine)
- Alcohol misuse (during extreme intoxication or time of withdrawal)
- COVID-19 virus infection