Common Causes of Seizures in Adults

According to SleepMed, Inc., which provides solutions to epileptics and people with sleep disorders, about 3 percent of Americans will have a seizure by their 75th birthday. Seizures occur mostly in young children under the age of 2 and in older people. Because just about anything that influences the brain can trigger a seizure, there are various causes for seizures. However, the reason cannot be identified in about half of all seizures. That's because the trigger is so small that it cannot be determined using standard tests.

Identification

• A seizure is an abnormal or sudden electrical surge within the cortical gray matter of the brain. Seizures interrupt normal brain functioning and usually cause irregular sensations and altered awareness. They are characterized by involuntary movements or convulsions. While some seizures are mild and barely noticeable, others may result in severe symptoms such as feeling "pins and needles" in the extremities. A person undergoing a seizure may fall down, become unconscious and experience jerky bodily movements for several minutes.

Epilepsy

• The exact reason for epileptic seizures is uncertain; however there are certain safeguards epileptics can follow that can help in reducing or avoiding seizures, improving their quality of life. For example, they should never miss a medication dose. Other safeguards include avoiding heavy alcoholic use as well as abstaining from drugs. Getting enough sleep and avoiding other medications that may interfere with seizure medicines are also important.

Injuries

• Injuries, especially those to the head, can activate a seizure. For example, victims of vehicle accidents or sports injuries often have seizures. Injuries during the birth process or in the uterus are also factors for seizures. Being bitten or stung by poisonous insects also places a victim at risk.

Withdrawal from Alcohol and Substance Abuse

• Withdrawal from substance abuse, such as alcohol and drugs, can sometimes cause an addict to have seizures. Withdrawal from alcohol or drugs is when someone who has drunk alcohol or used drugs regularly for a long period of time suddenly stops. The more one has abused drugs or alcohol, the greater the chance for seizures when experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Genetic and Metabolic Disorders

• Genetics can also play a role in the occurrence of seizures, as some people may be born with a predisposition for them. A metabolic disturbance is an inborn malfunction of metabolism, encompassing genetic diseases that lead to metabolic disorders. Some of the more common metabolic disturbances that can cause seizures include hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia and hyponatremia. On the other hand, some less common disorders include hyperglycemia, aminoacidurias, hepatic encephalopathy and hypomagnesemia.

Aging

• After age 60, people's functional abilities decrease, which makes them more vulnerable to seizure disorders. Aging diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, can generate seizures in elderly people. However, the use of antiepileptic drug therapy helps older people control seizures, improving their lives. Some of the drugs used for treating seizures in older people include carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and gabapentin.