Causes

Nerve cells (neurons) in the brain create, send and receive electrical impulses, which allow the brain's nerve cells to communicate. Anything that disrupts these communication pathways can lead to a seizure. Some types of seizure disorders may be caused by genetic mutations.

The most common cause of seizures is epilepsy. But not every person who has a seizure has epilepsy. Sometimes seizures may be caused or triggered by:

• High fever, which can be associated with an infection such as meningitis
• Lack of sleep
• Flashing lights, moving patterns or other visual stimulants
• Low blood sodium (hyponatremia), which can happen with diuretic therapy
• Medications, such as certain pain relievers, antidepressants or smoking cessation therapies, that lower the seizure threshold
• Head trauma that causes an area of bleeding in the brain
• Abnormalities of the blood vessels in the brain
• Autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Use of illegal or recreational drugs, such as amphetamines or cocaine
• Alcohol misuse, during times of withdrawal or extreme intoxication
• COVID-19 virus infection