Can birth control trigger seizures?

New evidence indicates that OCs can cause an increase in seizures in women with epilepsy. The epilepsy birth control registry, which surveyed women with epilepsy, found that those using hormonal contraceptives self-reported 4.5 times more seizures than those that did not use such contraceptives.

How does birth control affect epilepsy?

There is no evidence that the Pill affects epilepsy directly, but there is evidence that the Pill lowers lamotrigine levels in the blood. This could reduce seizure control and lead to seizures happening.

Can hormone changes trigger seizures?

Catamenial epilepsy (CE), also known as menstrual seizures, is linked to a woman's menstrual cycle and related hormone levels in the body. Women with CE often have more seizures during certain times of their cycle. This may include: Just before or during menstruation, or period.

Can hormones meds cause seizures?

Progesterone, on the other hand, is an "inhibitory" hormone, which means that it calms those cells down. When the body is making more estrogen than progesterone, it can make the nervous system "excitable." In other words, you could be at greater risk for seizures.

Can birth control help with seizures?

New evidence indicates that OCs can cause an increase in seizures in women with epilepsy. The epilepsy birth control registry, which surveyed women with epilepsy, found that those using hormonal contraceptives self-reported 4.5 times more seizures than those that did not use such contraceptives.

Can You Take Birth Control? | Epilepsy

Why do I get seizures around my period?

The hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle are the most likely cause of changes in seizure frequency. The brain contains many nerve cells that are directly affected by estrogen and progesterone, the main sex hormones in women. Studies in animals have shown that high doses of estrogen can cause or worsen seizures.

What are common seizure triggers?

What should epileptics avoid?

What drugs should epileptics avoid?

Epilepsy drugs known to have this effect include Carbatrol, Dilantin, phenobarbital, Mysoline, Trileptal, and Topamax.

Why do hormones cause seizures?

It is still unknown how these hormones impact brain cells. However, when the body is making more oestrogen, brain cells become stimulated and this can result in a higher risk of seizures in some women. Some women may have their first seizures during puberty, and this can be linked to changing hormones.

What are the warning signs of having a seizure?

What causes seizures in adults for the first time?

Potential causes include central nervous system infections, brain tumors, stroke, and brain injuries. The use or stopping of certain substances, including alcohol, may also trigger a seizure. The type of seizure depends on the cause. If you have a seizure for the first time, get medical attention as soon as possible.

What is the best birth control for someone with epilepsy?

Reliable Birth Control When You Have Epilepsy

Barrier methods, like condoms, diaphragms, and new-generation IUDs, are good options.

Does birth control lower seizure threshold?

The use of combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) with lamotrigine has been shown to reduce lamotrigine concentrations by 50%, increasing the risk of seizures.

What contraception can I use with epilepsy?

Can you get disability for seizures?

Adults with epilepsy may be eligible for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI, for those who paid taxes into the Social Security system) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI, for low-income people). To qualify for either SSI or SSDI, epileptic seizures have to occur regularly (see below).

Is epilepsy a disability?

Is Epilepsy Considered A Disability? Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. For epilepsy to qualify for disability benefits, it must meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing. There are different listings for epilepsy in the Blue Book.

Does drinking water help epilepsy?

In the hazards of living department: Individuals with epilepsy must be wary of consuming large amounts of water or risk increasing their chance of developing seizures. Excessive water intake is a known trigger for seizures and individuals with seizure disorders may be particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon.

How do you prevent a seizure when you feel it coming?

Can anxiety cause seizures?

However, according to research on the experiences of people with seizures, stress and anxiety can trigger seizures, and current research often underestimates the role they may play. Lack of sleep is a common trigger for seizures, and this can often happen in people who are experiencing overwhelming stress.

How long can a seizure last before brain damage?

If convulsive status epilepticus lasts for 30 minutes or longer it can cause permanent brain damage or even death.

Can a vitamin deficiency cause seizures?

The only vitamin deficiency known to cause or worsen seizures is a deficiency of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). This deficiency occurs mainly in newborns and infants and causes seizures that are hard to control.

Can stress cause seizures without epilepsy?

Even in people without epilepsy, stress and anxiety can trigger PNES, which are also known as pseudoseizures. PNES are physiologically different from the neurological seizures found in epilepsy.

Does a CT scan show seizures?

A CT scan is a type of X-ray that creates detailed images of tissue and internal organs. CT scans can help doctors identify any brain abnormalities that might be causing seizures, such as scar tissue, tumors, or malformed blood vessels. They can also identify any spinal fluid circulation problems.