Causes of seizures
[4] Examples include the following: Folic acid in large amounts was considered to potentially counteract the antiseizure effects of antiepileptic drugs and increase the seizure frequency in some children, although that concern is no longer held by epileptologists.
These include:[medical citation needed] Use of certain recreational drugs may lead to seizures in some, especially when used in high doses or for extended periods.
Convulsant drugs (the functional opposites of anticonvulsants) will always induce seizures at sufficient doses.
Examples of such agents — some of which are used or have been used clinically and others of which are naturally occurring toxins — include strychnine, bemegride, flumazenil, cyclothiazide, flurothyl, pentylenetetrazol, bicuculline, cicutoxin, and picrotoxin.
Consuming alcohol may temporarily reduce the likelihood of a seizure immediately following consumption.
[citation needed] EEGs taken of patients immediately following light alcohol consumption have not revealed any increase in seizure activity.
Additionally, in some, gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, can lead to diminished absorption of anticonvulsants, thereby reducing protection against seizures.
[28] This condition is known as photosensitive epilepsy and, in some cases, the seizures can be triggered by activities that are harmless to others, such as watching television or playing video games, or by driving or riding during daylight along a road with spaced trees, thereby simulating the "flashing light" effect.
[29] Contrary to popular belief, this form of epilepsy is relatively uncommon, accounting for just 3% of all cases.
The probable mechanism is that elevated extracellular glucose level increases neuronal excitability.
[40] In catamenial epilepsy, seizures become more common during a specific period of the menstrual cycle.
Reports suggest that patients stung by red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and Polistes wasps had seizures because of the venom.
Thus, anti-cysticercus treatment helps by getting rid of it thus lowers the risk of recurrence of seizures in patients with viable cysts.
Symptomatic epilepsy can be the first manifestation of neuroschistosomiasis in patients without any systemic symptoms.
The pseudotumoral form can trigger seizures secondary to the presence of granulomas and oedemas in the cerebral cortex.
These hormones act on both excitatory and inhibitory neural synapses, resulting in hyper-excitability of neurons in the brain.
[50] "Epileptic fits" as a result of stress are common in literature and frequently appear in Elizabethan texts, where they are referred to as the "falling sickness".
Next vital signs are assessed through a monitor, intravenous access is obtained, and concerning laboratory tests are performed.
Phenytoin or fosphenytoin supplemented with benzodiazepines are administered as the first line of therapy if the seizure persists for more than 5 –10 minutes.
Through neuroimaging, clinical assessments, and spinal-fluid examination the patients are screened for intrinsic neurological anomalies.
Early electroencephalography is recommended if there is a possibility of non-convulsive or subtle status epilepticus.
