In the United States, 2.3 million people and more than 450,000 kids and teenagers suffer from epilepsy.
The brain is a complicated organ, and as a result, it can suffer from complications. One common complication is seizures, which can have a wide array of causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
If you’re wondering what the most common causes of seizures are, then you’re in the right place. We’ve designed this quick guide to help educate you on what kinds of problems can lead to seizures. Further down, you’ll find popular methods for treating seizures for a better quality of life.
Let’s get started!
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is one of the most common causes of seizures. What is a seizure? It is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, which is accompanied by physical symptoms such as shaking, stiffening, jerking, and loss of consciousness.
Lack of adequate sleep reduces the effectiveness of the neurotransmitters in the brain, thus causing seizure activity. Sleep deprivation may manifest itself through insomnia, sleep apnea, and other lifestyle changes such as shift work and inconsistent sleeping schedules.
Fever and Illness
Prolonged fever can cause seizures. This is because the body is unable to cope with the temperature, and this can affect the brain’s neurons, which causes seizures. Common illnesses that can cause seizures in children include chickenpox and meningitis, as these illnesses can affect the brain and neural functions.
In cases of severe illnesses or medical problems, seizures can be a way for the body to cope with the infection. If a child has a seizure due to a fever or illness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and have them checked by a doctor.
Low Blood Sugar and Sodium
Seizures created by low blood sugar can occur in both children and adults. They may happen when someone has diabetes, and their glucose drops too low. A lack of glucose in the brain creates a state of confusion and can result in a seizure.
Similarly, seizures caused by low sodium can occur when levels become too low or fluctuate abruptly. Symptoms may include trouble concentrating, confusion, disorientation, and personality changes, all of which may lead to seizures.
Visual Stimulants
Visual stimuli such as flashing lights, television screens, and computer monitors can also cause seizures. These can trigger seizures by triggering abnormal cellular activity in the brain. This abnormal activity causes the nerves to become overworked and then they release too much of a neurotransmitter, causing a seizure.
Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are among the most common causes of seizures, though not always indicative of the onset of a tumor. Seizures can result from increased cell activity, inflammation, and obstruction of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid at the site of the tumor. An individual may experience partial or focal seizures when there is a more localized onset of cell activity and when the tumor affects specific areas of the brain.
Being aware of brain tumor symptoms in adults and children can help prevent or stop seizures. Hence, if symptoms are discovered, it is best to see a doctor right away.
Prevent an Episode by Avoiding the Common Causes of Seizures
Experiencing or witnessing a seizure may cause panic. It is very important that whenever there are medical issues, one must see a healthcare professional right away.
It is evident that epilepsy and genetic abnormalities are the most common causes of seizures. Additionally, medication, drug use, and underlying disease can bring about and/or exasperate the condition.
Do you want to get more insights? Make sure to read more of our posts.
James Martin is a passionate writer and the founder of OnTimeMagazines & EastLifePro. He loves to write principally about technology trends. He loves to share his opinion on what’s happening in tech around the world.
