Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Discover what causes seizures and epilepsy. Our essential guide reveals the most critical, surprising, and often unknown reasons. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions globally. In the U.S., about 3 million people live with epilepsy. Knowing what causes epilepsy is key to better treatment and life quality. The exact reasons are complex. But, research has found many factors that lead to it.

Key Takeaways

• Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder in the U.S.
• Understanding the causes is key for effective treatment.
• Many factors contribute to epilepsy’s development.
• Research is ongoing to understand epilepsy’s complexities.
• Good treatment plans can greatly improve life quality for those affected.

Understanding Epilepsy and Seizures

Seizures are a key sign of epilepsy, but not everyone with a seizure has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. These seizures happen when the brain’s electrical activity goes wrong, leading to convulsions, loss of consciousness, or changes in emotions.

Defining Epilepsy vs. Seizures

Epilepsy and seizures are connected but different. A seizure is a single brain event, while epilepsy is when someone has many seizures. Knowing the difference is key for the right treatment. Epilepsy can come from genetics, brain injuries, or infections.

Seizures can also be caused by things like fever, imbalances in the body’s salts, or some medicines. The main thing to tell them apart is how often and why the seizures happen.

Types of Seizures and Their Manifestations

Seizures can show up in different ways, based on where in the brain they start. Here are some common types:

• Focal seizures, which only affect one part of the brain
• Generalized seizures, which affect the whole brain
• Complex partial seizures, where a person’s consciousness changes

Type of Seizure	Characteristics
Focal Seizures	Localized symptoms, may or may not involve loss of consciousness
Generalized Seizures	Involves both sides of the brain, can cause convulsions or loss of consciousness
Complex Partial Seizures	Altered consciousness, often with automatisms or repetitive movements

“The diagnosis of epilepsy is not just about identifying seizures; it’s about understanding the underlying causes and managing the condition effectively.”

– Epilepsy Expert

Genetic Factors in Epilepsy Development

Recent studies show that genetic mutations play a big role in epilepsy. These mutations can make people more likely to have seizures and epilepsy syndromes.

Inherited Epilepsy Syndromes

Some epilepsy syndromes are passed down through families. They often start in childhood and can really affect a person’s life.

How Genetic Predisposition Works

Genetic predisposition means inheriting certain mutations that affect the brain. These mutations can make neurons work abnormally, causing seizures.

Genetic Mutations and Epilepsy

Specific mutations, like those in the GRIN1 gene, are linked to epilepsy. GRIN1 mutations can make neurons too excited, leading to seizures.

GRIN1 Mutations and Other Genetic Variants

GRIN1 is important for how neurons talk to each other. Mutations in GRIN1 can mess up this communication, leading to epilepsy. Other genetic changes also contribute to epilepsy.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are genetic conditions that raise the risk of epilepsy. TSC causes tumors in the brain and other parts of the body, leading to seizures.

Genetic Disorder	Association with Epilepsy	Key Characteristics
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)	High risk of epilepsy	Growth of non-cancerous tumors in the brain and other organs
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)	Increased risk of epilepsy	Development of tumors along the nervous system
GRIN1 Mutations	Associated with epilepsy	Disruption of normal synaptic function due to mutations in the GRIN1 gene

Understanding the genetic causes of epilepsy is key to better treatments. By finding specific mutations, researchers can create more effective therapies for each patient.

Brain Injuries and Trauma

Brain trauma and epilepsy have a complex relationship. Injuries from birth, accidents, or other traumas can raise the risk of epilepsy.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Epilepsy

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is linked to post-traumatic epilepsy. The injury’s severity often determines the epilepsy risk.

Seizures After Head Injuries

Seizures can happen right after a head injury or later. Factors like injury severity, hemorrhage, and skull penetration affect the risk of post-traumatic epilepsy.

“The development of post-traumatic epilepsy is a significant concern following traumatic brain injury, affecting the quality of life for many individuals.”

– Epilepsy Research Journal

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) happens when the brain lacks oxygen and blood. It often affects newborns and can cause neurological problems, including epilepsy.

HIE in Newborns and Long-term Effects

HIE in newborns can stem from delivery complications. It can lead to developmental delays, cognitive issues, and a higher risk of seizures.

Condition	Risk Factors for Epilepsy	Long-term Effects
TBI	Severity of injury, skull penetration	Post-traumatic epilepsy, cognitive impairments
HIE	Lack of oxygen, blood flow to brain	Developmental delays, seizures
Birth Trauma	Complications during delivery	Developmental injuries, epilepsy

Birth Trauma and Developmental Injuries

Birth trauma and developmental injuries can also cause epilepsy. Delivery complications, like prolonged labor, can lead to brain injuries and increase epilepsy risk.

Structural Brain Abnormalities

Epilepsy can be caused by different brain problems, like tumors and developmental issues. These problems can mess up how the brain works, leading to seizures.

Brain Tumors and Seizures

Brain tumors are a big reason for epilepsy, mostly in adults. The size, type, and where the tumor is can affect seizure chances. Tumors near the brain’s outer layer are more likely to cause seizures.

How Brain Tumors Trigger Epileptic Activity

Tumors can start seizures by pressing on or getting into the brain’s tissue. This messes up the brain’s electrical signals. The exact reasons are complex and involve changes in the tumor itself.

Cortical Dysplasia and Polymicrogyria (PMG)

Cortical dysplasia and polymicrogyria are brain problems that can lead to epilepsy. Dysplasia is about abnormal brain growth. Polymicrogyria has too many small brain folds.

Brain Development Disorders and Seizure Risk

Brain development issues, like dysplasia and polymicrogyria, raise seizure risks. This is because of abnormal brain connections.

Heterotopia and Other Structural Malformations

Heterotopia is when neurons gather in the wrong places, often causing epilepsy. Other malformations, like schizencephaly and lissencephaly, also increase seizure chances.

Structural Abnormality	Description	Seizure Risk
Brain Tumors	Abnormal cell growth in the brain	High
Cortical Dysplasia	Abnormal brain development	High
Polymicrogyria (PMG)	Excessive small folds in the brain’s surface	High
Heterotopia	Abnormal collections of neurons	High

Knowing about these brain problems is key to understanding and treating epilepsy. More research can help find better treatments.

What Causes Seizures: Infections and Inflammatory Conditions

Seizures can be caused by infections and inflammatory conditions in the brain. These can lead to brain inflammation and irritation. This can cause seizures.

Meningitis and Encephalitis

Meningitis is an infection that inflames the brain and spinal cord’s protective membranes. It can cause seizures. Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain tissue, also leads to seizure activity. Both are serious and need immediate medical help.

These infections can be from viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms. The inflammation can disrupt brain function, causing seizures.

Autoimmune Encephalitis and Neurological Inflammation

Autoimmune encephalitis happens when the body’s immune system attacks the brain. This leads to inflammation and can cause seizures. It shows how complex the immune system and brain function are.

Lyme Disease and Other Infectious Causes

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, can lead to neurological problems, including seizures. Other viruses and parasites can also cause seizures by causing brain inflammation.

In conclusion, infections and inflammatory conditions can cause seizures by causing brain inflammation and disrupting function. Knowing these causes is key to finding effective treatments.

Metabolic and Systemic Causes

Understanding the metabolic causes of epilepsy is key to managing it well. Metabolic disorders can change the body’s internal environment, leading to seizures. These disorders include electrolyte imbalances and complex conditions affecting glucose metabolism.

Electrolyte Imbalances and Seizures

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium are vital for neurons. When these electrolytes are out of balance, it can cause seizures. For example, low sodium levels can swell brain cells, leading to seizures.

Glucose Metabolism Disorders (GLUT1 Deficiency)

Glucose is the brain’s main energy source. Disorders affecting glucose metabolism can harm the brain. GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, caused by a gene mutation, prevents glucose from entering the brain. This leads to epilepsy, developmental delays, and other brain problems.

De Vivo Disease and Related Conditions

De Vivo disease is another name for GLUT1 deficiency syndrome. It shows how important glucose transport is for brain function. Patients often have seizures that don’t respond to usual treatments. Managing this condition involves special diets, like the ketogenic diet, to help the brain find energy.

Common Metabolic Disorders That Trigger Seizures

Many metabolic disorders can cause seizures. These include disorders of amino acid metabolism, urea cycle defects, and mitochondrial diseases. These conditions often come from genetic mutations affecting enzymes or transport proteins. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent epilepsy and other brain problems.

A medical expert says, “The ketogenic diet has been a game-changer for many patients with GLUT1 deficiency, significantly reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life.” This shows how important it is to tailor treatment for metabolic causes of epilepsy.

Vascular Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can be caused by many vascular factors, like stroke and cerebrovascular disease. These causes are big in older adults. The link between vascular problems and epilepsy is complex, with many ways seizures can start.

Vascular causes of epilepsy include brain blood vessel issues. This damage can start seizures. Knowing these causes helps in making better treatment plans.

Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease

Stroke is a big reason for epilepsy. Cerebrovascular disease also leads to epilepsy. A stroke can harm brain tissue, possibly causing epilepsy.

Temporal Lobe Damage and Mesial Temporal Sclerosis

Damage to the temporal lobe, like mesial temporal sclerosis, often comes from stroke. This scarring in the hippocampus, key for seizure control, can lead to epilepsy.

Condition	Effect on the Brain	Risk of Epilepsy
Stroke	Damage to brain tissue	High
Cerebrovascular Disease	Vascular damage	Moderate to High
Mesial Temporal Sclerosis	Scarring in the hippocampus	High

Sturge-Weber Syndrome and Vascular Malformations

Sturge-Weber syndrome is rare, with vascular malformations in the brain. It often causes epilepsy. Other malformations, like AVMs, also raise epilepsy risk.

Knowing the vascular causes of epilepsy is key for better treatments. By finding the vascular roots, doctors can manage epilepsy more effectively.

Age-Related and Special Population Factors

Epilepsy can happen at any age. Different factors play a role in each age group. Knowing these factors helps doctors diagnose and treat epilepsy better.

Childhood-Onset Epilepsy Causes

Children with epilepsy often have a family history of it. They might also have developmental issues or brain injuries early on. Syndromes like West syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are common in kids and can cause severe epilepsy.

Adult-Onset Seizures and Their Unique Triggers

Adults can get seizures from many things. Head injuries, infections, strokes, or tumors in the brain are common causes. Substance abuse or stopping certain medicines can also trigger seizures.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Other Neurological Conditions

Multiple sclerosis can make seizures more likely. Other conditions like cerebral vasculitis or autoimmune encephalitis can also lead to epilepsy.

Age Group	Common Causes of Epilepsy	Risk Factors
Children	Genetic predispositions, developmental abnormalities	Family history, birth complications
Adults	Head trauma, infections, stroke, brain tumors	Substance abuse, certain medications
Elderly	Stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease	Age-related degeneration, comorbid conditions

Conclusion: Understanding and Managing Epilepsy Causes

Knowing what causes epilepsy is key to managing it well. By understanding the different factors, people can handle their condition better. Epilepsy can come from genetics, brain injuries, or even infections.

Managing epilepsy needs a full plan that includes medicine, lifestyle changes, and ongoing care. Doctors can create special plans based on what causes each person’s epilepsy. This might include medicines, surgery, or other treatments to help control seizures.

It’s also important to educate people about epilepsy and help them take charge of their care. By spreading awareness, we can make treatments more effective. This helps improve the lives of those with epilepsy.

FAQ

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/data/index.htm