Risk factors for epilepsy include:
Medical Conditions
Any injury to the brain, either from external (environmental) or internal (medical/metabolic) sources can increase your risk of epilepsy.
Side View of the Brain
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Brain injury can be caused by:
- Head injury
- Stroke
- Alzheimers disease
- Tumors (primary or metastatic)
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Any condition that deprives the brain of oxygen, such as near drowning
- Sleep deprivation
- Infectious diseases, such as:
- Hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain)
- Celiac disease (intolerance to wheat gluten)
- Metabolic conditions, such as low blood sugar , high or low salt, low magnesium or calcium
Genetic Factors
In some cases, epilepsy can result from genetic abnormalities inherited at birth.
Age
Different causes and types of seizures are more or less likely depending on your age.
In children, risk factors include:
High fever
Poor nutrition
OtherFactors
Other factors that can increase your risk of epilepsy include:
Exposure to:
Lead
Carbon monoxide
Other environmental toxins
Certain illegal drugs
Overdose or withdrawal of antidepressants and other medications
Medication interations
Alcoholism
References:
Epilepsy Foundationwebsite. Available at: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed April 2007 by Roshni N. Patel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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