Triggers

    Some things make seizures more likely for some people with epilepsy. These are often called triggers.

    Fast facts

    1. 1
      Triggers don’t cause epilepsy; they are things that make seizures more likely
    2. 2
      There are a range of things that can trigger seizures (more on this below)
    3. 3
      Not everyone with epilepsy has seizure triggers
    4. 4
      If you have seizure triggers, trying to avoid them can help to prevent seizures
    5. 5
      Only 3 in 100 people with epilepsy, have seizures triggered by flashing lights

    Possible seizure triggers

    Your seizure triggers will be individual to you. Here are some possible triggers.

    Stories by you

    Paige explains how she discovered her seizure triggers

    Watch

    Georgie talks about what she has in her bag to help her manage having epilepsy. She meant to include her phone too.

    Do something

    You might already have an idea of what can trigger your seizures. If you’re not sure if you have seizure triggers, keeping a seizure diary can help to work them out.

    If you think you have seizure triggers what could you try to avoid them?

    Teenager sleeping at home

    More info

    There is more about seizure triggers on the Epilepsy Action website.

    More on seizure triggers

    Triggers

    More on photosensitive epilepsy

    Photosensitive

    More on periods and epilepsy

    Periods

    More on the affect alcohol can have

    Alcohol

    More on sleep and epilespy

    Sleep
    Updated 12 May 2020
    Review 12 May 2023
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