Epilepsy Articles April 2021

Understanding seizure triggers: Some events or situations can lower the seizure threshold and
make a person more vulnerable to seizures. If you learn which things may trigger your seizures
then you and your GP can learn to manage your epilepsy more effectively.

Here is a common list of seizure triggers:

Missed medications
Tiredness or sleep deprivation
Stress Menstrual periods in women
Medication change
Caffeine/alcohol/drugs
Sensory stimulation
Hormonal changes
Flashing lights
Some medications
Missing meals

https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/living-epilepsy/epileptic-seizures/seizure-triggers
https://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/12-most-common-seizure-triggers/

A mathematical model is being developed in the USA to help determine when a seizure is about
to happen so that people can be forewarned.

The mathematical model would detect patterns in the brain that would be able to give an
accurate warning anywhere between five minutes or one hour prior to the seizure. The model
works by gathering large amounts of data and learning the patterns within the brain. Once the
data is collected, the model is able to detect certain patterns or precursors to determine
whether a patient is at risk of a seizure or not.
Epilepsy Research UK produced two films which looked at how epilepsy affects the lives of
ordinary people. They called this project, “A life interrupted”.
EWCT conducted a ‘phone chat’ project which looked at how epilepsy affects ordinary people
living in New Zealand.