Epilepsy can stem from various factors affecting the brain, such as infections (e.g., meningitis or encephalitis), head injuries, birth-related complications , brain tumours or inherited disorders like tuberous sclerosis.
While epilepsy might run in some families, everyone is born with a unique 'seizure threshold'—, the point at which they may experience a seizure if the brain is sufficiently irritated. This, two children with similar brain injuries might have different risks of developing epilepsy, depending on their individual seizure thresholds.
In some cases, the exact cause remains undetermined. Chemical forms of epilepsy may be linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) or specific receptors in brain nerve cells.
What can trigger more seizures?
- Insufficient sleep is a common factor increasing the frequency of seizures.
- Poor compliance with prescribed epilepsy medicine often leads to more seizures in children with epilepsy.
- For some types of epilepsy, flashing or flickering lights can trigger seizures.
- Illness or fever.
Do seizures cause brain damage?
Seizures can lead to brain damage if they are prolonged for over an hour. It is a medical emergency when a child experiences a cluster of seizures without regaining consciousness or a seizure lasting more than 30 minutes. Such situations require immediate medical intervention and treatment.