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What Causes Breakthrough Seizures?
The Epilepsy Foundation defines a breakthrough seizure as a bout of seizure activity a patient with epilepsy experiences when on a stable regimen of anti-epileptic drugs. While the patient may have control over her seizures a majority of the time, at some point she experiences a seizure for no apparent reason. A reason does exists, though it varies with each person. Knowing what the possible reasons are might prevent breakthrough seizures from occurring.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Non-compliance
For a person to maintain control over his seizures, he must remain compliant with the care plan his doctor has in place. The key aspect in treating seizures are the dozens of anti-epileptic medications a doctor can prescribe. For these medications to be effective, however, they must build up in the bloodstream. If the patient does not take his medication as the doctor states, this cannot happen. In addition, various medications, both prescription and over the counter, can interfere with this process. A patient should always speak with his doctor before taking any other drug.
- For a person to maintain control over his seizures, he must remain compliant with the care plan his doctor has in place.
Personal Triggers
About Pseudo Seizures
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Every person with epilepsy has their own set of triggers; something that causes a seizure to occur. The Epilepsy Foundation cites severe emotional stress, sleep deprivation, flashing lights and video games as reasons for a breakthrough seizure. While medication is helpful, it is not a cure-all. The patient must do her part by avoiding her personal triggers as much as possible.
- Every person with epilepsy has their own set of triggers; something that causes a seizure to occur.
Discontinuing Medication
Sometimes a patient chooses to discontinue his medication because of the side effects, the number of pills he needs to take each day or because he has been seizure-free for a period of time and feels he no longer needs the medication, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 1. A sudden discontinuation tends to result in breakthrough seizures, as it confuses the body. If and when a doctor chooses to stop or change a medication, he will do so slowly by gradually reducing the dose; even the doctor doesn't know how a patient's body will react to the change.
The Hormonal Factor
Why Do People With Seizures Have to Take Folic Acid?
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Women may be at greater risk for breakthrough seizures only because of the fluctuation of hormones they experience. The University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey explains that a woman who still has menstrual cycles may have a greater number of seizures mid-cycle, as well as prior to her cycle beginning. This is due to the fluctuation in hormones; while estrogen increases seizures, progesterone inhibits them. Progesterone levels are at their lowest, however, just before and in the middle of a menstrual cycle.
- Women may be at greater risk for breakthrough seizures only because of the fluctuation of hormones they experience.
- The University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey explains that a woman who still has menstrual cycles may have a greater number of seizures mid-cycle, as well as prior to her cycle beginning.
Related Articles
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Seizures and Epilepsy: Hope Through Research
- Bromfield EB, Cavazos JE, Sirven JI. Clinical Epilepsy. In: An Introduction to Epilepsy [Internet]. West Hartford, CT: American Epilepsy Society; 2006.
- Xu MY. Poststroke seizure: optimising its management. Stroke Vasc Neurol. 2019;4(1):48-56. doi:10.1136/svn-2018-000175
- Blair RD. Temporal lobe epilepsy semiology. Epilepsy Res Treat. 2012;2012:751510. doi:10.1155/2012/751510
- Mirzadjanova Z, Peters AS, Rémi J, Bilgin C, Silva cunha JP, Noachtar S. Significance of lateralization of upper limb automatisms in temporal lobe epilepsy: a quantitative movement analysis. Epilepsia. 2010;51(10):2140-6. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02599.x
- Spencer D. Auras Are Frequent in Patients With Generalized Epilepsy. Epilepsy Curr. 2015;15(2):75-7. doi:10.5698/1535-7597-15.2.75
- Gossman WI, Albuja AC, Murphy PB. Absence Seizure. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2019.
- Lanigar S, Bandyopadhyay S. Sleep and Epilepsy: A Complex Interplay. Mo Med. 2017;114(6):453-457.
- Kiriakopoulos E. Atonic Seizures. Epilepsy Foundation. Mar 18, 2017.
- Devinsky O. Myoclonic Seizures. Epilepsy Foundation. PJul 2013.
- Kiriakopoulos E. Clonic Seizures. Epilepsy Foundation. Mar 2017.
- Pal BC, Kumar S, Dorairajan LN, Khattar N. Generalized seizure: A rare etiology of intraperitoneal rupture of the urinary bladder. Indian J Urol. 2007;23(4):467-8. doi:10.4103/0970-1591.36723
- Nguyen R, Téllez zenteno JF. Injuries in epilepsy: a review of its prevalence, risk factors, type of injuries and prevention. Neurol Int. 2009;1(1):e20. doi:10.4081/ni.2009.e20
- Cherian A, Thomas SV. Status epilepticus. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2009;12(3):140-53. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.56312
- SUDEP. Epilepsy Foundation. Published August 2013.
- Velísková J, De jesus G, Kaur R, Velísek L. Females, their estrogens, and seizures. Epilepsia. 2010;51 Suppl 3:141-4. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02629.x
- Reimers A. Contraception for women with epilepsy: counseling, choices, and concerns. Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:69-76. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85541
- Patel SI, Pennell PB. Management of epilepsy during pregnancy: an update. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2016;9(2):118-29. doi:10.1177/1756285615623934
- KiriakopoulosE, Shafer PO. Types of Seizures. Epilepsy Foundation. Published March 20, 2017. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Epilepsy. Mayo Clinic. Updated March 10, 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know. Mayo Clinic. Updated July 13, 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20048417
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The Epilepsies and Seizures: Hope Through Research: Pregnancy and Motherhood. NationalInstitutes of Health. Updated December 6, 2017. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Epilepsies-and-Seizures-Hope-Through#3109_38
Writer Bio
Based in Jamestown, Pa., Hannah Rice Myers has more than 10 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in the health industry. Many of her articles have appeared in newspapers, as well as "Curing Epilepsy: Hope Through Research." Rice Myers received her master's degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University in 2001.