What should you know about seizure causes?

A seizure results from a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A temporary trigger may include fever, low blood sugar, sleep deprivation, withdrawal from alcohol, or a medicine effect. A structural or inflammatory brain problem, a previous injury, or epilepsy can also be involved.

The same symptom can have different explanations. Hypoglycaemia can disturb brain function, while Alcohol Use Disorder may be linked to intoxication or withdrawal; Meningitis can cause fever and neurological symptoms. These links do not mean that a seizure proves any one condition is present.

After the event, note what happened before, during, and after it. Include sleep, recent illness or fever, food and fluids, prescribed and non-prescribed substances, missed medicines, unusual sensations, injuries, and the length of confusion afterward. A witness account or video can be useful if obtained safely and respectfully.

A clinician may examine you and decide whether blood tests, brain imaging, or an electrical brain test are appropriate. Do not drive, swim alone, climb, or use dangerous equipment until you have received advice suited to your situation.

Seek emergency help for a first seizure, an event lasting beyond the emergency limit provided by your clinician, repeated events without recovery, breathing problems, a serious injury, pregnancy, or persistent weakness or confusion. Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, rash, or difficulty waking is an emergency.

Ask which causes fit the timing and features of the event, whether a medicine or illness could have contributed, which tests are needed, what activities to avoid, and what symptoms should trigger emergency help.