A seizure occurs as the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Jerking movements of the body, loss of bladder or bowel control, body stiffening and loss of consciousness are some symptoms of a seizure. A seizure can cause death, but that is rare. Most people die from a secondary cause, such as falling and hitting their heads.
One of the things that can be done to prevent a seizure is to recognize the potential underlying causes or triggers:

1. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the number one cause of seizures, and actually known in medical communities as a “seizure disorder”, which is a disorder of the brain that causes a short change in normal brain activity. Repeated seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Medication can be used to manage this condition. However, if patients skip their medication or do not take it as prescribed by doctors, they are at a greater risk for having a seizure.

2. Brain tumors
A brain tumor can lead to a seizure. In fact, one study showed that half of patients who had their first seizure also had a brain tumor. A tumor can be classified as benign or malignant. Both malignant and benign tumors can cause a seizure. A tumor can cause the chemicals in the brain to become imbalanced, which can interfere with the electrical activity in the brain.

3. Strokes
If you have suffered a stroke in the past, then your chances of having a seizure are much higher. Strokes can injure the brain. This injury can cause scar tissue to develop in your brain. The scar tissue can cause changes in the electrical activity in your brain. Patients are most likely to have a seizure within 30 days of having a stroke. It is estimated that five percent of patients who have strokes will have a seizure within a few weeks. Some people only have one seizure while others have them repeatedly throughout their lives after having a stroke.

4. Abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood
There is a reason that doctors check electrolyte levels after patients have a seizure. Electrolyte and nutrient imbalances can alter chemical activity in the brain, which can cause a seizure. In many cases, correcting the nutrient imbalance or electrolyte imbalance can prevent another seizure from occurring. However, if the condition is caused by an underlying health problem, then this problem has to be treated first. Hormonal disorders and kidney problems can cause electrolyte imbalances.

5. Certain drugs or medications
Illicit drug use, such as phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, and psychostimulants can lead to a seizure. These drugs can cause chemical imbalances. They may also deprive the brain of oxygen. Keep in mind that recreational drugs are not the only ones that you need to avoid. There are certain prescription medications that can trigger a seizure. This includes certain antidepressants and stimulants. Some medications can also interfere with seizure medication.

That is why it is important for you to let your physician know about the medications that you are taking. Furthermore, you should limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. If you have more than three drinks per day while taking certain medications, then you are at a greater risk for having a seizure. You are more likely to have a seizure during the withdrawal phase. This is when your body is getting rid of the alcohol. Furthermore, certain medications can reduce your body’s tolerance to alcohol.

6. Infections of the central nervous system
Both meningitis and encephalitis can cause the brain to swell. They can also cause toxins to leak into the areas that are surrounding the brain. That is why these conditions can cause a seizure. These conditions can be treated with medications.

7. Stress
Stress can cause a seizure, but experts are not exactly sure why that occurs. There is a theory that explains why a person is more prone to having a seizure when they are feeling stressed. When people are stressed, they tend to engage in other unhealthy activities. This includes things such as drinking an excess amount of alcohol or not sleeping well. There are several things that you can do if you are feeling stressed. For example, you can exercise. You can also do yoga or meditate. Additionally, it is important for you to have a day where you can relax and do nothing.

8. Hormonal changes
Females are more prone to having a seizure than males. One of the reasons is because of the hormonal changes that they experience throughout different stages of life. Estrogen can trigger a seizure by exciting the brain cells. However, progesterone can reduce the risk of a seizure by breaking down a substance that can cause a seizure. This often occurs during puberty because of hormonal fluctuations. They can also occur during menstruation and during perimenopause. Even though men do not have a monthly menstrual cycle, they may be sensitive to hormone changes too. There has been evidence to suggest that changes in testosterone levels can lead to a seizure.