Struck By Seizures

What Medical Conditions Cause Seizures?

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person appears or acts for a short time. Seizures are complex phenomena; it is not always clear what precipitates them. Some causes include: diet, medical conditions, head injuries, drugs, medications, infections, etc.

Malnutrition responsible for seizures:

• Thiamine deficiency in alcoholics
• Pyridoxine deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Medical conditions responsible for seizures:

• Brain abscess – a collection of pus caused by an infectious source
• Brain tumor – a mass of cells that continuously grow
• Cerebral palsy – a movement disorder that appears in early childhood
• Down syndrome – a genetic disorder characterized by growth delay and intellectual disability
• Encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain caused by viruses, rabies, fungi, parasites or bacteria
• Meningitis – an acute inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain caused by viruses or bacteria
• SLE – an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own tissues
• Multiple sclerosis – a demyelinating disease causing damage to the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord
• Febrile seizures – fever in children that precipitates seizures
• Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar
• Sleep deprivation

Drugs responsible for seizures:

• Amphetamine and methamphetamine
• MDMA – “ecstasy” or “molly”
• Cocaine
• Methylphenidate – “ritalin”
• GHB
• K2
• Caffeine – high doses

Drug withdrawal responsible for seizures:

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Anesthetics

Medications responsible for seizures:

• Bupropion – an antidepressant
• Clozapine – the gold-standard antipsychotic
• Olanzapine – an atypical antipsychotic
• Estrogens
• Meperidine – a synthetic opioid
• Prednisone – a steroid

Parasitic infections responsible for seizures:

• Pork and beef tapeworms
• Schistosoma
• Malaria
• Toxoplasmosis

The lists above are not inclusive of all the causes responsible for seizures. It is important to do your own research and speak with a medical professional in person to understand of any risks which you may have. If you experience even one seizure, it is very important to seek medical attention; identifying the source can help prevent future episodes as well as any injuries that can accompany seizures due to falling!

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)