seizure triggers
Triggers are situations that can bring on a seizure in some people with epilepsy. Some people's seizures are brought on by certain situations. Triggers can differ from person to person, but common triggers include tiredness and lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking medication. For some people, if they know what triggers their seizures, they may be able to avoid these triggers and so lessen the chances of having a seizure.
What's the difference between triggers and causes?
Triggers for seizures are not the same as causes for epilepsy. A trigger for someone to have their first seizure may be a stressful situation, but the underlying cause for that person to start having seizures may be quite different. Causes can be genetic or as a result of structural damage to the brain. See more about causes of epilepsy.
Because epilepsy can develop at any time of life, it can sometimes be difficult to work out why seizures have started. If you have a seizure, it may seem to make sense that there must be a particular cause, such as stress, or alcohol, for example. However, the likelihood of having a seizure at some point may have been there already for you, and the stress or alcohol has triggered it. Download a PDF seizure diary
Not taking medication
For anti-epileptic medication to work at its best it needs to be taken regularly at around the same time or times each day.
Sleep and epilepsy
Lack of sleep can trigger seizures for some people. In some types of epilepsy seizures can happen as someone is waking up and for a few hours afterwards.
Alcohol, drugs and epilepsy
Alcohol is a common trigger for seizures, especially in the hangover period when your brain is dehydrated.
Photosensitive epilepsy
For some people, seizures can be triggered by flashing or flickering lights or patterns. This is called photosensitive epilepsy. Photosensitive epilepsy affects only up to 3% of people with epilepsy.
Music and epilepsy
Music is part of our everyday life and culture. For most people, listening to or playing music is a pleasurable experience.
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For more information about epilepsy and support, please contact our helpline on 01494 601 400 or email helpline@epilepsysociety.org.uk (open Monday and Tuesday 9-4pm, Wednesday 9-7.30pm).