brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Seizure Disorders
Causes of Seizure Disorders
Which causes are most common depend on when seizures start: High fevers or temporary metabolic abnormalities, such as an abnormal blood level of sugar (glucose), calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, or sodium, can trigger one or more seizures. Seizures do not occur once the fever or abnormality resolves. If the seizures recur without such triggers, the cause is likely to be an Birth Injuries in Newborns , a Often, the cause is unknown (see also Seizures in Children ). A Overview of Head Injuries , Older adults:The cause may be a brain tumor or stroke. Seizures with no identifiable cause are called idiopathic. Conditions that irritate the brain—such as injuries, certain medications, sleep deprivation, infections, fever—or that deprive the brain of oxygen or fuel—such as Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms , a low level of oxygen in the blood, or a very low level of sugar in the blood ( People with a seizure disorder are more likely to have a seizure when the following occur: They are under excess physical or emotional stress. They are intoxicated or deprived of sleep. They have suddenly stopped drinking or using sedatives. Avoiding these conditions can help prevent seizures. Rarely, seizures are triggered by repetitive sounds, flashing lights, video games, or even touching certain parts of the body. In such cases, the disorder is called reflex epilepsy. 