Stress as a trigger
Stress alone can cause seizures. In general, however, these are not epileptic but non-epileptic, psychogenic or dissociative seizures, usually in the context of a serious psychosomatic illness. In people with epilepsy, the frequency of epileptic seizures may be increased in phases of severe mental stress.
Alcohol as trigger
Alcohol itself does not trigger epileptic seizures, but rather the withdrawal of alcohol. This affects alcoholics in particular. The seizure occurs when the consumption of alcohol is reduced rapidly after regular consumption over a long period of time.
These are usually classic epileptic seizures (tonic-clonic) and only rarely focal seizures of various kinds. Thus, three to four seizures usually occur within the first 24 hours after the last alcohol intake. This is one of the reasons why alcohol withdrawal should be carried out in a qualified clinic. Here the seizures can be prevented with the help of medication. After a single alcohol withdrawal seizure no anti-epileptic therapy is necessary due to the good prognosis.
Brain tumor as trigger
An epileptic seizure in the form of a so-called symptomatic seizure can also always occur as a symptom of a brain tumor. In this case, the tumor presses on other parts of the brain, which can then be excited more strongly, which can lead to epileptic seizures.Imaging diagnostics in the form of an MRT (magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear spin) can provide clarity in this regard. From the outside, these seizures cannot necessarily be distinguished from other epileptic seizures.
Epileptic seizure after cerebral hemorrhage or stroke
If epileptic seizures occur after a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, this is referred to as symptomatic epilepsy. Due to brain cells that have died off as a result of the stroke, various areas of the brain can become hyperexcitable. If these are excited by typical triggers, such as flickering light, a massive electrical discharge of the affected brain cells (neurons) occurs, leading to an epileptic seizure.
An epileptic seizure can also occur spontaneously, i.e. without a recognizable trigger. This form of symptomatic epilepsy may be difficult to treat with medication. It is absolutely necessary to consult a specialist in the form of a specialized neurologist. If treated, there is a risk of a recurrent seizure of approximately 65% within two years.
