How can stress cause seizures?

Stress can affect brain function in the following ways:

• Stress can trigger an increase in the breathing rate, known as hyperventilation. Doctors use hyperventilation to provoke seizures in certain patients, especially those with absence seizures.
• Stress may cause you to miss your medication, leading to an increase in seizures.
• Stress can cause hormonal changes such as an increase in the steroid hormone cortisol, which also may influence seizure activity.
• Negative emotions related to stress, such as worry or fright, may cause seizures. This may happen because the limbic system, the portion of the brain that regulates emotion, is one of the most common places for seizures to begin.

How can I deal with stress in my life?

• Try to avoid situations that you know will be stressful.
• Learn relaxation techniques or take yoga or tai chi classes.
• During times when you can't avoid stress, make an extra effort to get enough sleep and to take your seizure medicine on time.

How can I help my child reduce stress?

Stress can also be a problem for children. Sometimes it can be a factor in seizures that are difficult to control for unexplained reasons. As a parent, you should try to recognize what is stressful to your child. Perhaps you can work out a compromise with your child that reduces the stress but also encourages him or her to remain active. If the stress is serious, it may be helpful to talk to a psychologist.

Is stress a problem for mentally handicapped people too?

Yes, often any change in their daily routine will be stressful. Even socializing can be a stressful event for those with a mental handicap. Caregivers need to be aware of these potentially stressful situations and, if possible, minimize them, especially if they may be related to unexplained seizures.

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:10/15/03