How to Identify Epilepsy Risk Factors

It is generally very difficult to determine the cause of epilepsy, but knowing the risk factors may allow you to take actions to avoid certain behaviors that can lead to epilepsy. Still, it's possible to develop epilepsy without having these risk factors. Read on to learn how to better identify epilepsy risk factors.

Instructions

• 1

  Discern whether you have experienced or are susceptible to trauma to the brain, both interior or exterior, either of which can lead to seizures. These types of brain injuries include trauma to the head, serious lack of sleep or oxygen, strokes, kidney or heart failure and tumors. Certain infectious diseases can also cause brain damage that increases your chances of developing epilepsy, such as viral encephalitis, meningitis and AIDS.

• 2

  Know your family history of epilepsy to help identify your personal risk. Genetic conditions passed down from previous generations are sometimes the cause of epilepsy, so having family members with epilepsy may mean you are at greater risk. Conditions related to your metabolism, such as high or low blood pressure, are often genetic and also considered risk factors for epilepsy.

• 3

  Identify causes for epilepsy that are specific to your age group. For example, poor nutritional habits and high fevers are specifically significant risk factors for children. In senior citizens, Alzheimer's disease and strokes are of greater concern.

• 4

  Be aware of environmental conditions in the places you live and work, as they may also be risk factors for epilepsy. Heavy exposure to toxins such as carbon monoxide or lead may lead to seizures. Excessive use of and withdrawal symptoms related to drugs such as cocaine and alcohol are also considered risk factors for developing epilepsy.

• 5

  Reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases that may lead to brain damage. Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet and exercise on a regular basis to help maintain a healthy weight. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and avoid cigarette smoke.