Understanding Patterns
Triggers
A seizure trigger is a factor that may make a seizure more likely for a particular person. Triggers vary, and many seizures happen without an identifiable trigger.
About this information: This webpage is subject to continuous review by Epilepsy Ontario to help keep the information current. Updates may be in progress. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider about your own health and care.
A trigger is not the same as a cause.
A cause helps explain why someone has epilepsy. A trigger may influence when a seizure happens. Identifying possible triggers can support your care, but avoiding them does not guarantee seizure freedom or replace treatment.
Having a seizure does not mean you did something wrong. Seizures can happen even when you follow your treatment plan carefully.
Commonly Reported Factors
What may make a seizure more likely?
These factors do not affect everyone. Discuss patterns you notice with your healthcare team.
Medication
Missing anti-seizure medication or stopping it suddenly can increase seizure risk. Other medicines or supplements may also interact with treatment.
Take medication as prescribed. If you miss a dose, cannot keep medication down or are running out, ask your pharmacist or prescriber what to do. Do not double a dose unless specifically instructed.
Sleep
Too little sleep, disrupted sleep or changes in sleep patterns can make seizures more likely for some people.
Discuss ongoing sleep problems with your healthcare provider. Do not deliberately deprive yourself of sleep except under specific medical instructions for testing.
Stress
Some people notice more seizures during stressful periods. Stress can also affect sleep, routines and medication-taking.
Ask about practical support if stress or anxiety is affecting daily life. Managing stress is one part of care, not a substitute for epilepsy treatment.
Illness
Illness, with or without fever, can be associated with more seizures. Vomiting or diarrhoea may also interfere with taking or absorbing medication.
Ask your healthcare team for instructions about managing illness and checking over-the-counter medicines.
Hormonal changes
Some people notice seizure patterns linked to their menstrual cycle. A recurring increase at particular stages is known as catamenial epilepsy.
Track the pattern and discuss it with your healthcare provider. Do not adjust medication yourself.
Alcohol & recreational drugs
Heavy alcohol use, alcohol withdrawal and some recreational drugs can increase seizure risk. Alcohol may also disrupt sleep or medication routines.
Ask your healthcare provider about your circumstances. If you may be dependent on alcohol, seek medical advice before reducing or stopping: withdrawal can be dangerous.
Photosensitivity
Flashing lights & patterns
Flashing or flickering lights and certain visual patterns can trigger seizures in a small proportion of people with epilepsy. Most people with epilepsy are not photosensitive.
Screen content, lighting and other factors can matter for someone who is photosensitive. Ask your healthcare provider whether photosensitivity is relevant to you and what precautions are appropriate.
Do not test yourself by deliberately looking at flashing lights or triggering content.
What about food, caffeine and weather?
Evidence varies, and individual experiences differ. There is no basis for treating foods such as chocolate, sugar, spices or animal protein as universal seizure triggers.
Caffeine can affect sleep, and high amounts may be a concern for some people. Discuss a repeated pattern with your healthcare team rather than making major dietary restrictions yourself.
Do not start supplements or a therapeutic diet, such as ketogenic dietary therapy, without appropriate clinical guidance.
Make the Conversation Useful
Track patterns without testing triggers.
A diary can help you and your healthcare team look for repeated associations. Something happening before a seizure does not prove it caused it.
What to record
- Seizure date, time, duration and recovery.
- Sleep and changes in routine.
- Medication doses, missed doses or recent changes.
- Illness, stress, menstrual cycle or other factors you notice.
What to discuss
- Whether a pattern is consistent over time.
- Whether several factors may be involved.
- Practical changes that are safe and realistic.
- Whether your treatment or seizure action plan needs review.
Keep treatment and first aid at the centre.
Do not deliberately expose yourself to a suspected trigger or change prescribed medication to test a theory. Seek medical advice if seizures change, become more frequent or affect your safety.
Further reading:
Epilepsy Foundation: Seizure Triggers ·
Epilepsy Action: Seizure Triggers.
