Common Causes Of Epilepsy

Head Trauma

Any head trauma that affects the brain can cause epilepsy. Falls, gunshot wounds, automobile accidents, and blows to the head have all caused epilepsy. Such injuries can cause swelling and bleeding in the brain. In such cases, the patient will usually start having seizures a few days to a few weeks after the initial injury. Epilepsy may eventually fade after the injury heals. In other cases, scar tissue forms on the injured part of the brain and disrupts the neurons’ function, resulting in the 'electrical storms' that disrupt communication between neurons and cause seizures. This type of epilepsy is sometimes called post-traumatic epilepsy and is particularly common in soldiers who have suffered brain injuries. Patients can reduce the risk of brain injury by wearing a helmet when cycling, or skiing, or doing anything else with a substantial risk of head injury. Similarly, they should wear a seatbelt when in a car.

Keep reading to discover more potential causes of epilepsy.