Epilepsy can cause seizures, but sometimes certain things can make seizures more likely to happen. These are called seizure triggers. Triggers don’t cause epilepsy, but they can increase the chances of a seizure for some people.

Not everyone has the same triggers. Some people may notice a pattern, like having seizures when they’re very tired or stressed. Others may not notice any clear reason. Keeping track of what happens before a seizure can help people recognize what might be causing them.

So, what are some of the most common things that can trigger a seizure?

Common Epilepsy Triggers:

• Lack of sleep – Not getting enough rest or having poor sleep can make seizures more likely.

• Illness – Being sick, especially with a fever, may trigger seizures for some people.

• Flashing lights – Bright or flashing lights, like in video games or at concerts, can affect some people with epilepsy.

• Stress – Feeling overwhelmed, worried, or even excited can trigger a seizure.

• Missed medication or poor diet – Skipping epilepsy medicine or not eating and drinking properly can lead to seizures.

Some people may only have seizures during sleep or when waking up. Others may notice that triggers bother them only during busy or stressful times. It’s important to know that just because something happened once doesn’t mean it will always cause a seizure. A true trigger is something that happens again and again before a seizure.

To figure out what your triggers might be, try writing things down in a seizure diary. Note the time, what was happening before the seizure, and how you were feeling. If a certain trigger shows up often before a seizure, that’s a good clue. Also write down times when the trigger happened but you didn’t have a seizure—that can help too.

If you think you have a specific trigger, especially one that happens often, talk to a doctor. They can help you learn how to avoid it or deal with it in safer ways.

To better understand epilepsy and how kids can support each other, check out the book Abigail Has Epilepsy by Monique Lycette. It’s a great story that shows how friends can be kind and helpful when someone has epilepsy.