A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain due to sudden and abnormal electrical impulses. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements, or feelings, and in some cases, it can cause loss of consciousness or convulsions. Underlying health issues like epilepsy generally cause seizures, but head injuries or other medical conditions can also cause them. Here are some of the most common conditions that can trigger a seizure:

1. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures. It can be caused by various things, including genetics, head injuries and other medical conditions. It can also be triggered by certain activities, such as drinking alcohol or using drugs. Epilepsy seizures must have occurred more than two times for a patient to be diagnosed epileptic.

2. Brain tumors

A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain. These abnormal cells can interfere with the brain’s normal functioning, leading to seizures. Seizures caused by tumors are often called “symptomatic seizures” because an underlying condition brings them on. In most cases, brain tumors that cause seizures are cancerous. However, non-cancerous varieties can also cause seizures.

3. Stroke

Stoke can cause seizures by damaging the brain. This occurs when blood or oxygen supply to the brain is directly cut off, and damage to the brain tissue results. Seizures are more likely to occur if the stroke affects the parts of the brain that control movement.

4. Abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood

Abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood can happen if blood sugar (glucose) levels are not properly regulated due to conditions like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (diabetes). When the body does not have enough sodium or glucose, it can cause the cells to become excited and start firing off electrical signals. These signals can travel along the nervous system and lead to a seizure.

5. Use of certain drugs or medications

A long list of drugs and medications has been associated with triggering seizures. These include illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine and prescription medications used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. In some cases, even over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and certain cold medicines have been known to cause seizures.

6. Infections of the central nervous system

Infections of the central nervous system, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can trigger seizures in people of all ages, but the risk is highest in infants and young children. Symptoms of an infection, such as fever, may precede the onset of seizures. The infection can sometimes spread to the brain, leading to a seizure.

7. Stress

Seizures can be triggered by any stress, including physical, emotional, or mental. When a person is under extreme stress, their body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can increase the likelihood of a seizure. It can also prompt seizures in patients with a history of seizures or seizure disorders.

8. Hormonal changes

Seizures are more common during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause when hormone levels fluctuate. Some epileptic women find that their seizures get worse around the time of their period. Menstrual changes can also trigger seizures in some women—such as taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Hormonal changes can also trigger seizures in non-epileptic patients.