A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may cause a person to convulse, lose consciousness, or have changes in mood or behavior. The type of seizure and its cause depends on the part of the brain affected, which also affects the frequency of seizure occurrence. However, with proper treatment and care, most people with seizures can lead normal lives.
While most people think of seizures as being caused by epilepsy, there are, in fact, many other possible causes:

1. Brain tumors
A brain tumor causes seizures when it presses on or damages the part of the brain that controls electrical activity. While any tumor can cause seizures, tumors that start in the brain are more likely to do so than tumors that start elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain. Treatment for a seizure caused by a brain tumor depends on the specific cause and severity of the seizure. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor. Medicines or other treatments may also be needed to control seizures caused by tumors.

2. Epilepsy
Epileptic disorder, or epilepsy, is a neurological disorder resulting from changes in the brain. These changes can cause seizures. Several different things can trigger a seizure in someone with epilepsy, from flashing lights to certain types of food. There are many different causes for this condition, some of which are still unknown. Common causes include head injuries, strokes, tumors, and genetic conditions. Epileptic attacks can affect people of any age, but they are most commonly diagnosed in children and older adults. While there is no cure for epilepsy, treatments can help control the seizures. With the right treatment and care, most people with epilepsy can lead full and healthy lives.

3. Stroke
When most people think of strokes, they think of the aftermath: paralysis, slurred speech, and an inability to communicate. But what many people don’t know is that strokes can also cause a seizure. Strokes are caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, and when the brain is starved of oxygen for too long, it can start to seize. Strokes are actually a common cause for seizures, especially in older adults. While there are many potential causes of seizures after a stroke, some of the most common include brain damage, abnormal blood flow to the brain, and changes in brain chemistry.

4. Abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood
Did you know that seizures can be caused by abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood? Sodium is an electrolyte that helps control the brain’s electrical activity, and when there is too much or too little of it, a seizure can occur. On the other hand, glucose is the main energy source for the brain, and when there isn’t enough of it, a seizure can also happen. So, if you ever experience a seizure, it’s important to get your sodium and glucose levels checked out by a doctor.

5. Use of certain drugs or medications
Drug-induced seizures are more common than many people think. Almost 1 in every 100 people will have a drug-related seizure at some point in their life. While various medications can cause seizures, a few classes of drugs are particularly associated with this condition. If you’re taking any of these medications and experience a seizure, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. By being proactive about your health and closely following the doctor’s advice, you can reduce your chances of having a seizure while using medications or drugs that may pose a risk.

6. Infections of the central nervous system
Central nervous system meningitis and encephalitis are both infections that can lead to seizures, so it’s important to know the signs and get treatment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further seizures and other complications. Even without seizures, brain infections can be dangerous and even life-threatening, so it’s important to get them taken care of as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing any major health problems. So be sure to get checked out if you think you might be infected.

7. Stress
Although stress is often seen as a minor annoyance, it can have pretty serious effects on our health. One of the most well-known anxiety-related issues is a seizure. An epileptic person is more likely to experience a seizure when stressed. If you are experiencing frequent seizures and believe that stress may play a role, talking to your doctor is the best step forward. Managing your stress will not only help keep your seizures under control but will also improve your overall health and well-being. Some ways to manage anxiety might be to try yoga or meditation, which have been shown to help reduce stress levels.

8. Hormonal changes
Did you know that hormonal changes can cause a seizure? It’s true! During times of great hormonal change, such as puberty or menopause, women are more likely to experience a seizure. This is because the fluctuations in the hormones such as progesterone and estrogen can affect the electrical activity in the brain that can trigger a seizure. In women, estrogen promotes seizure activity, while progesterone has an inhibitory effect. This means that during certain times in a woman’s menstrual cycle she may be more at risk for seizure due to the changes in her hormone levels. Understanding how these hormones affect seizure activity can help doctors treat patients who experience hormonally triggered seizures.