Epilepsy is a health illness for a lifetime. Typically, people who experience more than one attack is already considered to have the illness. The causes of it, most of the time, are harder to know. However, some cases can cause serious damage to the brain. Attacks can confuse a person for a very short time. Also, it can cause muscle problems and loss of eye contact. Uncontrollable movement of a muscle of the upper and lower limbs is a sign. One may also experience different feelings of fear and worry.
Important Note
There are different signs. Hence, it is according to the type and seriousness of the attack. The majority of people experience signs that are similar to a stroke. It can happen for every attack. Therefore, they experience the same signs every time it happens. Doctors will be the one to label the type of attack. Furthermore, it all depends on the activity of the brain.
This article can give you possible causes of this illness. While causes are still unclear for most cases, it is linked with the following:
1. Brain problems
There are issues like tumors that can cause damages to the brain. Therefore, it can bring an attack. Likewise, the lack of blood flow in the brain is one of the top causes of the attack. It is common among adults 35 and above.
2. Family History
This illness is also passed on to family members like parents to their children. Genes play an important role. Several studies connect the illness to family background. However, in most cases, it is just a few of the many possible causes. Family history can increase the possibility of having the same illness.
3. Beaming lights
For a few people with this illness, flickering lights can start an attack. It is a type known as photosensitive epilepsy. Besides, it is not only lights but also some fast-moving objects. This type can happen more common among younger people. Attacks can decrease over time as the person grows. Hence, there is a lesser attack during early adulthood.
Additional Information
Those who are sensitive to lights often do not have signs. People who have it are not aware that an attack will happen. This condition will not go into different forms. It only attacks when there is an activity with a powerful light. Some people are easily affected by light. However, they do not develop photosensitive epilepsy.
One can experience signs like nausea, headache, and others. The activities that can start an attack are watching TV or staring at computer screens for a long time. Also, other activities, like playing games with strong lights.
4. Fetal Damage
An unborn baby can suffer from brain injuries. Hence, it can happen while they are still inside the mother’s womb. The health condition of the mother is very important because it directly affects the baby inside. For instance, being ill, lack of nutrients and lack of oxygen are some. All of these cases can affect the baby’s brain. Therefore leads to epilepsy and other brain illnesses.
5. Infections
Some illnesses start with infection. It is why people with a family history of attack should keep their bodies healthy.
6. Serious head injuries
Head damages can start an attack. It can happen after a serious head injury from accidents or surgery.
7. Developmental Problems
There are newborn illnesses that relate to having this health condition. Some people with this condition also show signs of attacks earlier in life.
Aside from the epilepsy causes above, there other risk factors that can increase one’s chance of having this brain illness.
1. Family background
If your family members have it, you may likely develop an attack as well. It is important for people to look for some signs. Furthermore, be observant if you have a family member having an attack.
2. Age
Although it can start at any age, it is more common among youth and older adults. However, signs of attacks can start as early after birth.
3. Head or neck damage
Damages to the head and neck can cause an epileptic seizure. One can decrease the chance of injuries by following safety procedures. For instance, wear seat belts and helmet when driving cars and motorcycle are some. Also, dangerous activities can put your head and neck at risk of injuries.
4. Other Illnesses
Other illnesses like stroke and high blood can harm the brain. These illnesses can result in having attacks. One can stay away from getting attacks by living a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods and doing exercises is good for the heart. Also, avoiding alcohol drinks, eating foods high in healthy fats, and not smoking are useful to avoid attacks. Additionally, daily exercise can decrease the chance of getting this illness.
Other Causes
People who already have it may experience more attacks than others. It can happen if a person with the illness is doing the following bad habits.
- Missing taking medicine on time
- Heavy drinking of alcohol
- Use of illegal drugs
- Not having proper sleeping time
- Taking other medicines that are nor recommended by a doctor
- Exposure to strong light and moving objects
