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While there are about 40 different kinds of epilepsy, there are probably even more types of seizure disorders -- caused by a number of internal and external events. However most doctors and publications agree upon a number of possible or even probable reasons for these seizures. Here are just a few of them…
Prenatal Injuries
In a fetus, the developing brain is susceptible to prenatal injuries that may occur if the pregnant mother has an infection, doesn't eat properly, smokes or abuses drugs or alcohol.
Childbirth
It can be either an injury to the mother caused by childbirth, a congenital abnormality or perinatal injury.
Head Injury
If the head injury is severe, seizures may not begin until years later. If the injury is mild, the risk is slight.
Degenerative Diseases
A disease like cancer reduces the structure or function of tissues. Therefore tumors, whether malignant or benign, can be associated with seizures. The location of the lesion influences the risk.
Stroke
Heart attacks and other conditions, like strokes, affect the blood supply and oxygen to the brain and can lead to seizures.
Metabolic Disturbances
Disorders that change levels of various metabolic substances in the body sometimes result in seizures. These include: altered levels of sodium, calcium, or magnesium (electrolyte imbalance)…kidney failure and dialysis…low blood sugar or elevated blood sugar…lowered oxygen level in the brain…severe liver disease and elevation of associated toxins.
Poisons
Probably the most common is food poisoning (typically from bacteria or parasites), but also dangerous are various heavy metals (e.g. lead, arsenic, mercury, etc.), gases such as carbon monoxide, alcohol poisoning, numerous household chemicals and many others.
Drugs
It can be an interaction or reaction to a drug or combination of drugs, reaction or withdrawal (especially from certain anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs) or the chronic use of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine, heroine, amphetamines, and PCP.
Resources:
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/epilepsy.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/epilepsycauses.htm
http://www.essortment.com/all/causesofepilep_rloq.htm
http://adam.about.com/reports/000044_1.htm
http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/epilepsy/EPI_causes.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/epilepsy/page2_em.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/epilepsy/DS00342/DSECTION=causes
http://www.neurologychannel.com/epilepsy/causes.shtml
Prenatal Injuries
In a fetus, the developing brain is susceptible to prenatal injuries that may occur if the pregnant mother has an infection, doesn't eat properly, smokes or abuses drugs or alcohol.
Childbirth
It can be either an injury to the mother caused by childbirth, a congenital abnormality or perinatal injury.
Head Injury
If the head injury is severe, seizures may not begin until years later. If the injury is mild, the risk is slight.
Degenerative Diseases
A disease like cancer reduces the structure or function of tissues. Therefore tumors, whether malignant or benign, can be associated with seizures. The location of the lesion influences the risk.
Stroke
Heart attacks and other conditions, like strokes, affect the blood supply and oxygen to the brain and can lead to seizures.
Metabolic Disturbances
Disorders that change levels of various metabolic substances in the body sometimes result in seizures. These include: altered levels of sodium, calcium, or magnesium (electrolyte imbalance)…kidney failure and dialysis…low blood sugar or elevated blood sugar…lowered oxygen level in the brain…severe liver disease and elevation of associated toxins.
Poisons
Probably the most common is food poisoning (typically from bacteria or parasites), but also dangerous are various heavy metals (e.g. lead, arsenic, mercury, etc.), gases such as carbon monoxide, alcohol poisoning, numerous household chemicals and many others.
Drugs
It can be an interaction or reaction to a drug or combination of drugs, reaction or withdrawal (especially from certain anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs) or the chronic use of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine, heroine, amphetamines, and PCP.
Resources:
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/epilepsy.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/epilepsycauses.htm
http://www.essortment.com/all/causesofepilep_rloq.htm
http://adam.about.com/reports/000044_1.htm
http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/epilepsy/EPI_causes.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/epilepsy/page2_em.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/epilepsy/DS00342/DSECTION=causes
http://www.neurologychannel.com/epilepsy/causes.shtml