Epilepsy Triggers: Understanding What Starts Seizures

There are many potential triggers for epilepsy, and what sets off a seizure can vary from person to person. Some common triggers include:

* Stress

* Lack of sleep

* Hormonal changes (such as during menstruation or pregnancy)

* Alcohol or drug use

* Caffeine

* Bright lights

* Loud noises

* Certain medications

* Head injury

* Stroke

* Brain tumor

However, not all people with epilepsy experience seizures in response to specific triggers. In some cases, seizures may occur without any apparent cause. For people who do have trigger events for their seizures, avoiding these triggers may help to reduce seizures.