Epilepsy Health Center
Table of Contents
About half of all seizures have no known cause. The other half are linked to a disease or injury of the brain. During development and the first few years of childhood, the brain undergoes a lot of growth. During this growth, the brain is at danger of certain diseases due to infections, poor nutrition, and poor supply of oxygen. Some of these diseases are associated with epilepsy.
The neurons of the brain develop into complex webs of wires. Defects in wiring during brain development could lead to epilepsy.
After a head injury due to an accident or a stroke, the brain repairs itself by making new wiring. If the new wiring is abnormal, it could cause seizures.
Disease of the brain, such as hydrocephalus and meningitis, could cause epilepsy.
Poisoning of the brain, such as lead and carbon monoxide poisoning, could lead to seizures.
Exposure to street drugs and overdoses of antidepressants could also lead to seizures.
Older people sometimes develop diseases of the brain, such as brain tumors, strokes, infections and bleeding. These types of diseases could lead to epilepsy.
Some types of epilepsy tend to run in families, suggesting hereditary causes.
People who are addicted to alcohol or benzodiazepines who try to quit "cold turkey" can suffer serious seizures.