3 of My Biggest Seizure Triggers

Situations known as triggers can cause seizures in some epileptic people. Seizures can also occur in some people for unknown reasons. Individuals may have different triggers. I have now been able to identify my triggers.

Prior to this, I was unable to speak or share about my triggers because I was still learning about them. I usually keep track of the circumstances leading up to my seizures. It took a long time for me to become aware of my triggers.

Seizure trigger 1: anxiety

The most unexpected trigger I discovered was seizure anxiety. Once, someone was explaining to me why they have seizures and then went into more detail about what their physical body experiences. This triggered a physical response from me. Simply put, the thought of the pain makes my aura extremely sensitive. My face turned pale, and I immediately started to feel anxious. My breathing accelerated and became shallow.

In order to return to normal, I must take deep breaths. I must take my "emergency" medication in order to avoid seizing. It is awful when I am in the middle of the road, at a crucial meeting, or at a family event. I have to stay away from everyone and everything so that I can walk and take deep breaths to calm myself. When my epilepsy is triggered in this way, I've noticed that the aura lasts for 3 days, and I've had to fight it off to prevent seizures.

Seizure trigger 2: overworking

My next trigger is working nonstop with no breaks in between. I can work on the laptop for hours at a time to finish my task that day. Of course, this has a significant impact on my body, brain, and eyes. My epilepsy is triggered when I exert myself beyond what my body can handle. Sometimes, I've had to learn my lesson the hard way.

When I notice I've been sitting in one place working for a long time, I pause and move around to help my body relax. I no longer wait for my body to trigger now that I am aware of this trigger. I frequently take breaks, stretch, brew myself a cup of tea, and practice simple meditation. My epilepsy has helped me become more conscious of my body and myself.

Seizure trigger 3: intense emotions

My next trigger is brought on by having a heated argument with a loved one. I have a calming disposition by nature. However, my epilepsy is triggered when there is a disagreement with someone I care about. There is a strong, unfulfilled, and unresolved feeling between each of us that I would like to see resolved, but it persists.

I get triggered when someone shouts at me. My emotions become out of control, and my heart races. Boom – it triggers. I usually avoid such people in my life. Once someone asserts that their point of view is the only valid one to take into account, there is no room for rational thought.

Epilepsy has taught me to be a rational and calm person. To express a point of view, there is no need for shouting matches or intense discussions. It is solvable in a respectful and tranquil manner.

Everyone's seizure triggers are different

Different things can trigger seizures in different people. My triggers are still something I'm learning. It is difficult to determine what triggers seizures for someone – since every person is different. Your trigger could be extremely unique. I think it's important to take your time to figure out your triggers and find ways to avoid them.

Do you know you seizure triggers? How did you figure them out? Let me know in the comments below!