Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyEpilepsyTeam
Powered By

Causes of Epilepsy

Medically reviewed by Federica Polidoro, M.D.
Updated on August 23, 2024

Epilepsy refers to a spectrum of neurological disorders that involve recurring seizures. It’s also possible to have nonepileptic spells — events that aren’t caused by an epileptic disorder. Epilepsy has many different causes.

Epilepsy can be broken into two broad categories depending on whether the cause of seizure activity is known or unknown. When the cause of a person’s epilepsy is known, it’s called symptomatic or secondary epilepsy. Epilepsy with unknown causes is referred to as idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy. Some epilepsy is inherited, or due to a genetic mutation (change). In other cases, epilepsy is structural in origin, resulting from brain damage or abnormal brain development. Epilepsy isn’t contagious.

Forms of epilepsy caused by a genetic mutation or brain damage that occurred during birth or pregnancy tend to show up and be diagnosed during childhood. Other types can be more common later in life.

Genetic Causes of Epilepsy

About 4 percent of people — or about 1 in 26 — will develop epilepsy at some point. Having a first-degree relative (parent, child, or sibling) with epilepsy increases your risk of epilepsy about threefold. It’s common for family members to have different types of epilepsy from one another. When a disorder or disease tends to run in families, it’s thought to have a genetic component. In fact, genes are known to play a role in about 30 percent to 40 percent of epilepsy cases.

Many cases of epilepsy are caused by a mutation, usually on a gene responsible for the activity of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Mutations there cause the bursts of electrical activity that lead to symptoms associated with seizures. However, many people with a genetic mutation will never have seizures or develop epilepsy. This indicates that genes aren’t the only factor — environmental factors also play a role.

Many types of epilepsy can be inherited. Known genetic causes of epilepsy include:

There’s also an association between autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. About one-third of people with autism also have epilepsy. Certain genetic syndromes, including Rett, fragile X, Prader-Willi, and Angelman syndromes, are linked with both seizures and autism.

In children with autism, intellectual disability increases the risk of epilepsy. A study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry reported that about 22 percent of autistic children with intellectual disability develop epilepsy, whereas 8 percent of those without intellectual problems begin having seizures. No specific type of epilepsy or severity of seizure is associated with autism spectrum disorder. Altogether, the relationship between autism and epilepsy is poorly understood.

Some researchers believe there may be a genetic component to all forms of epilepsy. In this theory, everyone who has seizures is genetically predisposed to them. If that’s the case, then seizures that start after a brain injury or other structural change may be due to both the injury or change and the person’s genetic predisposition to seizures. This theory might explain why a brain injury might lead to epilepsy in one person but not another.

Structural Causes of Epilepsy

Abnormalities in the brain’s structure or metabolism (the chemical process of breaking down substances) can cause seizures. Some are considered epileptic seizures, and others are considered nonepileptic seizures.

Structural problems may be congenital (present at birth) or caused later by a brain tumor or traumatic brain injury, perhaps the result of a head injury from a car crash or another accident. Strokes, brain infections such as meningitis, and alcohol or drug abuse can also cause a structural problem that leads to seizure activity. In situations like these, normal brain structure is distorted or disrupted, resulting in abnormal brain waves that trigger seizures.

In addition, more than 200 metabolic diseases are known to cause epilepsy. Metabolic problems can deprive brain cells of the glucose they require for fuel or reduce levels of electrolytes such as sodium or potassium — minerals the body needs to function properly. The result is abnormal brain waves that cause seizures.

Inflammation, which may be the result of a traumatic brain injury or a chronic inflammatory condition such as lupus, can also flood the brain with proteins that may trigger seizures.

Congenital brain damage may be caused by malnutrition, infection, trauma, or drug use during pregnancy. It may also be due to a genetic defect. Children who are born prematurely or deprived of oxygen during birth can develop brain damage that causes seizures. Many newborns outgrow their seizures, but a small number have seizures that can be lifelong and difficult to treat.

Typically, 50 percent to 70 percent of children who have epilepsy eventually achieve seizure remission (having no seizures or symptoms). The chances for remission are higher if seizures aren’t frequent and are adequately treated by antiepileptic drugs, as well as if there are no underlying neurological problems.

Other Risk Factors for Epilepsy and Seizures

It’s important to keep in mind other risk factors for epilepsy. Different types of seizures might have different risk factors.

For instance, major risk factors for absence seizures (in which the person experiences a loss of consciousness) include:

  • Age — These seizures are more frequent in children between ages 4 and 14.
  • Biological sex — Females are more at risk.
  • Genes — Absence seizures tend to run in families.

Sometimes, older age can be a risk factor for epilepsy or seizure. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is associated with seizure activity and epilepsy.

Epilepsy With Unknown Causes

If your doctor can’t identify the source of your epilepsy, you’ll be diagnosed with idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy. “Idiopathic” comes from Greek words meaning “a disease of its own kind.” It means that doctors don’t know the cause. Similarly, “cryptogenic” comes from Greek words meaning “hidden cause.”

Approximately 50 percent of all epilepsies have unknown causes. Certain types of seizures may stem from a scar or irritation on the brain, but the scar is undetectable by an MRI. As brain imaging techniques improve, more causes of seizures will be identified.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEpilepsyTeam, the social network for people with epilepsy, more than 122,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with epilepsy.

Have you identified what caused epilepsy in you or your child? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

References
  1. Epilepsy — Mayo Clinic
  2. What Are Non-Epileptic Seizures? — Cleveland Clinic
  3. The Role of Genetic Testing in Epilepsy Diagnosis and Management — Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics
  4. Structural Causes of Epilepsy. Tumors, Cysts, Stroke, and Vascular Malformations — Neurologic Clinics
  5. Genetics of Epilepsy Syndromes Starting in the First Year of Life — Neurology
  6. Pregnancy — Epilepsy Foundation
  7. Incidence and Prevalence of Childhood Epilepsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study — Pediatrics
  8. Late-Onset Epilepsy: Etiologies, Types of Seizure, and Value of Clinical Investigation, EEG, and Computerized Tomography Scan — Epilepsia
  9. Facts and Statistics About Epilepsy — Epilepsy Foundation
  10. Familial Risk of Epilepsy: A Population-Based Study — Brain
  11. Causes of Epilepsy — University of Chicago Medicine
  12. Genetics and Epilepsy — Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
  13. Causes of Epilepsy in Childhood — Epilepsy Foundation
  14. What Happens During a Seizure? — Epilepsy Foundation
  15. Genetic and Environmental Factors in Epilepsy: A Population-Based Study of 11,900 Danish Twin Pairs — Epilepsy Research
  16. Epilepsy With Myoclonic–Atonic Seizures (Doose Syndrome): When Video-EEG Polygraphy Holds the Key to Syndrome Diagnosis — Epilepsy and Behavior Case Reports
  17. Epilepsy in Children With Down Syndrome — Epileptic Disorders
  18. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (Childhood Epileptic Encephalopathy) — Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology
  19. Autism and Epilepsy: A Retrospective Follow-Up Study — Brain and Development
  20. Epilepsy and Autism: Is There a Relationship? — Epilepsy Foundation
  21. Epilepsy and the Natural History of Rett Syndrome — Neurology
  22. Epilepsy in Fragile X Syndrome — Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
  23. Epilepsy in Prader–Willi Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics and Correlation to Genotype — Epilepsy and Behavior
  24. Epilepsy in Autism Is Associated With Intellectual Disability and Gender: Evidence From a Meta-Analysis — Biological Psychiatry
  25. Metabolic Causes of Epilepsy — Epilepsy Foundation
  26. Metabolic Seizures — Frontiers in Neurology
  27. A Link Between Congenital Malformations of the Central Nervous System and Epilepsy in Paediatric Patients in Mexico — Revista de Neurologia
  28. Do Premature and Postterm Birth Increase the Risk of Epilepsy? An Updated Meta-Analysis — Epilepsy and Behavior
  29. Complete Remission of Childhood-Onset Epilepsy: Stability and Prediction Over Two Decades — Brain
  30. Absence Seizure — Mayo Clinic
  31. What Are the Risk Factors of Seizures? — Epilepsy Foundation
  32. Seizures and Epilepsy in Alzheimer’s Disease — CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics
  33. Epilepsy — World Health Organization

Updated on August 23, 2024

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

My mother has MS and my sister also has Lupus and crones disease. I have suffered from severe head injury and just in the last 4 years diagnosed with epilepsy due to mental health issues as well as… read more

October 25
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Privacy Policy
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Privacy Policy

Is Being A Breach Baby A Cause Of Epilepsy. They Used Steel Forceps In 1955. I Have A Bald Spot On My Head. It Drained Till I Was 14.

October 5, 2024 by A MyEpilepsyTeam Member 5 answers
Federica Polidoro, M.D. a graduate of medical school and neurology residency in Italy, furthered her expertise through a research fellowship in multiple sclerosis at Imperial College London. Learn more about her here.
Brooke Dulka, Ph.D. is a freelance science writer and editor. She received her doctoral training in biological psychology at the University of Tennessee. Learn more about her here.
Kelly Crumrin is a senior editor at MyHealthTeam and leads the creation of content that educates and empowers people with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her here.

Related Articles

Epilepsy is a condition that causes repeated seizures, which happen because of unusual electrical...

11 Types of Epilepsy and Their Symptoms

Epilepsy is a condition that causes repeated seizures, which happen because of unusual electrical...
The brain contains billions of nerve cells — called neurons — that communicate with one another b...

Can Seizures Cause Brain Damage? 4 Types That Pose a Risk

The brain contains billions of nerve cells — called neurons — that communicate with one another b...
Epilepsy is not one single condition. Rather, it is defined as a spectrum of disorders that invo...

Epilepsy – An Overview

Epilepsy is not one single condition. Rather, it is defined as a spectrum of disorders that invo...
Although epileptic seizures can occur randomly and without warning, many people find that their s...

10 Common Seizure Triggers and 9 Tips To Avoid Them

Although epileptic seizures can occur randomly and without warning, many people find that their s...
How many hours per day do you and your loved ones spend looking at computer monitors, tablets, an...

Can Too Much Screen Time Cause Seizures?

How many hours per day do you and your loved ones spend looking at computer monitors, tablets, an...
For people with epilepsy, any illness — including ear infections — may raise the risk of seizure....

Can Ear Infections Cause Seizures?

For people with epilepsy, any illness — including ear infections — may raise the risk of seizure....

Recent Articles

Epilepsy is a group of brain disorders that cause seizures, which can start in any part of the b...

9 Types of Seizures and Their Symptoms

Epilepsy is a group of brain disorders that cause seizures, which can start in any part of the b...
There is at present no cure for epilepsy, although some people with epilepsy may go into remissio...

5 Epilepsy Treatment Options: Surgery and More

There is at present no cure for epilepsy, although some people with epilepsy may go into remissio...
Many people living with epilepsy also experience mental health challenges, and bipolar disorder i...

Bipolar Disorder and Epilepsy: What’s the Connection?

Many people living with epilepsy also experience mental health challenges, and bipolar disorder i...
If your child is living with epilepsy, you might be presented with a lengthy list of treatment op...

5 Factors in Choosing Epilepsy Treatments for Your Child

If your child is living with epilepsy, you might be presented with a lengthy list of treatment op...
Parents, caregivers, and clinicians can help shape a child’s attitude about epilepsy from an ea...

The Epilepsy Transition to Adulthood: How To Help Your Child

Parents, caregivers, and clinicians can help shape a child’s attitude about epilepsy from an ea...
4 Ways To Reduce the Cost of Medication The price of medication affects the quality of life f...

4 Ways To Reduce the Cost of Medication (VIDEO)

4 Ways To Reduce the Cost of Medication The price of medication affects the quality of life f...

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: