Many epilepsy patients report stress as a trigger for their seizures, yet self-report studies can be difficult to interpret and may not allow for direct conclusions about causality to be drawn.
Stress and anxiety may also trigger pseudo-epileptic seizures (PNES), which resemble seizures but don’t originate in the same physiological processes that underlie epilepsy.
Can Stress Cause Seizures?
Stress may trigger seizures, but the reason remains unclear. Stress often passes quickly, but for some, it lingers and disrupts life. Two seizure types can result from stress: neurological seizures and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES).
Neurological seizures stem from epilepsy, an enduring condition causing unpredictable, recurring seizures. Stress and anxiety can act as triggers for epileptic seizures. PNES, however, originate from psychiatric factors and are provoked by underlying mental health issues.
Background
Stressful events or chronic anxiety may trigger seizures for some individuals with epilepsy; however, their exact relationship is still poorly understood; although research suggests some types of seizure activity is linked with emotional regions in the brain.
Epilepsy sufferers may sometimes experience pseudoseizures – events which mimic seizures but do not originate in epilepsy (PNES). These events are known as pseudoseizures and could be brought on by depression, arguments, work pressures or family problems.
Self-report studies have demonstrated that most PNES patients perceive stress to be one of their primary triggers for symptoms. Unfortunately, however, such retrospective designs lack an objective definition and measurement system for distress; additionally prospective diary studies monitoring stress and seizure occurrence are rare; more research must be conducted in this area in order to find out exactly the link between stress and seizures; it’s believed that more effective recognition and control of stress-related symptoms could reduce seizure frequency among people living with PNES.
Methods
Seizures and mood disorders like anxiety or depression may be linked, since certain areas of the brain that control some types of seizures also regulate emotions and responses to stress. Sleep issues due to mood problems may trigger seizure activity.
Studies looking at stress’ relationship to epilepsy have had mixed results; one such study by Haut et al in 2007 discovered an increased likelihood of having seizures the next day after higher anxiety/stress levels; however, this research had several limitations including using non-standardised scales of anxiety/stress and measuring stress only once daily.
Stressful events or everyday hassles may all contribute to anxiety; depending on an individual, some triggers might be more significant than others; for example, some find that not sleeping enough or menstrual changes trigger seizures more strongly than others.
Results
Stress can trigger seizures by releasing hormones that affect the brain. This causes changes to parts of the brain responsible for emotions and can even bring on seizure attacks. Furthermore, stress often interferes with sleep which is another major trigger of seizures.
Studies have linked stress and seizures, but due to being self-report and retrospective it’s difficult to know exactly when or how often stress leads to seizures.
Studies have also demonstrated that people experiencing stress are more prone to experiencing premonitory sensations or mood changes that lead to psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), unlike epileptic seizures which occur under controlled circumstances.
There are a few steps you can take to reduce stress levels and prevent seizures, including getting enough rest each night and practicing relaxing activities such as meditation. If your stress levels become overwhelming, speaking to your neurologist about it may help find ways to manage them or provide anti-seizure medication as a possible solution.
Conclusions
Stress is an integral part of life, but can become overwhelming and lead to anxiety, which in turn disrupts sleep, which may eventually result in seizures triggered by emotional strain. Although seizures typically result from brain injuries, some individuals experience what are known as Non-Epileptic Events or PNES that may also occur as an effect of emotional strain.
Studies have demonstrated that people often identify stress as their primary trigger for epileptic seizures.
This may be the case due to how individuals first assess stressful events as threatening and then assess whether their coping resources are sufficient enough for dealing with it; when this assessment happens they experience typical stress reactions like negative emotions, changes in sleeping or eating patterns and physical manifestations as symptoms.
Maintaining a journal detailing what stresses you out and finding ways to cope is one key way of reducing your risk of seizures. Other aspects that could help include getting enough restful sleep and exercising regularly as well as seeking medical evaluation to rule out other causes of seizures.
How Can Stress Management Techniques Help Prevent Seizures
Stress management techniques play a crucial role in preventing seizures for individuals who are prone to stress-induced seizures. Consider implementing these helpful stress management techniques:
- Take any seizure medication as prescribed.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Avoid taking illegal drugs.
- Talk with a friend or therapist.
- Maintain a daily routine.
- Follow a regular sleep schedule.
- Exercise.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- One way to manage stress and bothersome situations is by keeping a journal. By documenting the things that bother you or lead to stress seizures,
- Participate in hobbies or other outlets for stress.
- Practice relaxation activities like yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
It is important to note that stress management techniques cannot replace medication, but they can be an effective complementary treatment option for reducing stress experienced by individuals living with seizure disorders. Engaging in practices such as assertiveness training, mental imagery, anxiety management, and working on self-esteem issues can also reduce stress.
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can also help reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental health, which may help reduce the risk of experiencing a seizure if stress affects you. If you are struggling with stress or anxiety, seeking professional help is also recommended.
Can Medication Be Used to Manage Stress-Induced Seizures
Medication can effectively manage stress-induced seizures in individuals with epilepsy. Anticonvulsant medication serves as the primary treatment for epilepsy and effectively reduces the frequency and severity of seizures.
Additionally, stress management techniques play a significant role in enhancing overall well-being but are unable to substitute anticonvulsant medication.
In addition to medication specifically prescribed for seizures, certain anxiety and depression medications can also help alleviate stress-induced seizures.
However, these medications should be considered as a temporary solution and may not provide long-term effectiveness. Collaborating with a healthcare professional is crucial in determining the most suitable medication plan for managing stress-related seizures.
Stress management techniques play a crucial role in reducing stress and improving overall well-being, ultimately lowering the risk of experiencing seizures triggered by stress. Engaging in activities like exercise, relaxation techniques, and pursuing hobbies you enjoy can effectively alleviate stress.
Moreover, seeking emotional support from trusted individuals such as friends, family members, or therapists can greatly assist in navigating challenging situations.
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