Common Triggers

Whether you are the individual who has seizures, a family or friend, or a bystander it is very important to know what can be potential triggers that would set an individual into a seizure.

Visual triggers

Flashing lights

any lights whether blinking between colors, police lights, beams of sunlight, or lightbulbs that need to be changed...

all have the chance of setting of a seizure due to photosensitivity or the contrast between the figure of light and the background behind it

Strobe lights/LED Fluorescent lights

strobe lights like those at a party or concert

LED lights like flashlights or hallway lights

can once again create a risk for seizures due to photosensitivity

Screens
(phone, projector,laptop)

this is due in part to the level of brightness or intensity of the screen, as well as the contrast between different frames or tabs. This can also be a trigger due to the details, or size of text or icons that are meant to be the major focus on the screen

Environmental triggers

Smoke in the air

this can affect the persons ability to breathe, they may begin to ...

- cough

- choke

- hyperventilate

- pass out

- get lightheaded

Cologne/perfume/air freshner

Strong scents of perfume, cologne, candles, or air freshener have the ability to cause someone to ..

- feel lightheaded

- lead them to having a seizure

Second-hand cigarettes/tobacco/weed
smoke

Any odor from other individuals smoking can be a high risk for seizure activity in individuals who are diagnosed with seizures. Second hand smoke has the ability to lower the performance of anti-seizure medications

Change in weather

Even just a slight change in weather, like the bipolar weather of NJ can cause someone to feel sick as the brain and body are required to acclimate to the new conditions. this can cause...

-head cold

- or increased seizure activity

Auditory triggers

Sub bass/amplified music

Sounds that often stem from live music or live bands playing, can cause anyone a headache if too noisy. However, some individuals with seizures can have an "aura" of a seizure from such head pain which causes this to be a trigger.

Sirens

Just like the visual sight of medical lights can affect someone, so can the sirens. They typically have a higher frequency than standard noises and can set off a startled response to the brain causing panic

Common Pre-seizure phases/signs

This is the state at which you should be cautious of what activities you partake in, and maybe notify an emergency contact JUST IN CASE

Migraines

Abnormal inability to sleep

Start of period

Lightheaded/
fatigue

The Aura phase

Blurred vision