What Are the Causes of Seizures & Headaches?

Experiencing chronic headaches or seizures can have you expecting the worst possible cause. While some causes like brain tumors or metabolic disorders are possible, there are also less frightening ones like incorrect medication or overabundant stress. Do not assume the worst, as the only way to make a proper diagnosis is to undergo tests with your doctor. Also, never assume that your symptoms mean nothing and that they will just go away. Consult a doctor after any chronic headaches or seizures occur.

Stress

• One of the major causes of chronic headaches is stress, according to the New York Times Health Guide. Stress causes shoulder, neck, scalp and jaw muscles to contract tightly, which is also known as a tension headache. There are many factors that contribute to these headaches, such as a lack of sleep, overexertion, grinding your teeth, using drugs and alcohol, and skipping meals. Chronic migraine headaches may be caused by allergic reactions (often a food or scent trigger), stress, hormone changes, bright lights, and changes in sleep patterns. Headaches may occur before and after a seizure as well.

Tumors

• Chronic headaches that occur as a result of brain tumors are worse in the morning, and they gradually get better throughout the day. They can get worse with coughing and exercise, and these headaches may be accompanied by vomiting. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, around one-third of people diagnosed with a brain tumor become aware of the tumor only after a seizure. When electrical activity in the brain is disrupted by the tumor, the convulsions and loss of consciousness of a seizure may occur.

Disorders

• There are many disorders that lead to headaches and seizures. A high fever resulting from heatstroke or an infection can lead to a seizure. Infections of the brain that occur as a result of tetanus, rabies, malaria, meningitis and syphilis also cause headaches and seizures, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition. Metabolic conditions like low blood sugar, an underactive parathyroid gland, and high blood sugar may cause a seizure as well.

Organ Damage

• Damage to various organs can lead to headache and seizure symptoms, according to Merck. Brain damage is one of the most obvious, as head injury, a stroke, hydrocephalus, and an intracranial hemorrhage can cause a seizure. Liver or kidney failure may also lead to seizures and headaches. Lastly, injury during the birthing process can cause a seizure.

Drug-Related

• There are many drugs, legal and illegal, that may cause headache and seizure symptoms. Prescription medications like Busiprone (anxiety), Ceftazidimine (antibiotic), Chloropromazine (schizophrenia), Chloroquine (malaria), Cyclosporine (organ transplant), Indomethacin (pain reliever) and Theophylline (asthma) may cause the side effects of a seizure or headache. When an alcoholic suddenly stops drinking alcohol for a few days, a seizure may occur. Certain drugs like benzodiazephines, barbiturates, cocaine and amphetamines also cause seizures, according to Medline Plus.