Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent seizures, which can vary in frequency, intensity, and type. The exact cause of epilepsy is not always known, but there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition. Some of these factors include:
- Genetic influence. Some types of epilepsy, which are categorized by the type of seizure you experience or the part of the brain that is affected, run in families. In these cases, it’s likely that there’s a genetic influence.Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy to specific genes, but for most people, genes are only part of the cause of epilepsy. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to environmental conditions that trigger seizures.
- Brain abnormalities. Abnormalities in the brain, including brain tumors or vascular malformations such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernous malformations, can cause epilepsy.
- Infections. Meningitis, HIV, viral encephalitis and some parasitic infections can cause epilepsy.
- Prenatal injury. Before birth, babies are sensitive to brain damage that could be caused by several factors, such as an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies. This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy.
- Brain injury: Brain injury from head trauma, stroke, infection, or other factors can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35.
- Developmental disorders: Epilepsy can be associated with developmental disorders such as autism or cerebral palsy.
- Chemical imbalances: Certain chemical imbalances in the brain, such as imbalances in neurotransmitters, can cause epilepsy.
- Substance abuse: Abuse of certain drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of developing epilepsy.
Risk factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of epilepsy:
- Age. The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but the condition can occur at any age.
- Family history. If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of developing a seizure disorder.
- Head injuries. Head injuries are responsible for some cases of epilepsy. You can reduce your risk by wearing a seat belt while riding in a car and by wearing a helmet while bicycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle or engaging in other activities with a high risk of head injury.
- Stroke and other vascular diseases. Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular) diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. You can take a number of steps to reduce your risk of these diseases, including limiting your intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
- Dementia. Dementia can increase the risk of epilepsy in older adults.
- Seizures in childhood. High fevers in childhood can sometimes be associated with seizures. Children who have seizures due to high fevers generally won’t develop epilepsy. The risk of epilepsy increases if a child has a long fever-associated seizure, another nervous system condition or a family history of epilepsy.
It’s important to note that in many cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown, and it can occur without any obvious risk factors or underlying conditions.