What causes epileptic seizures and how can a young adult female patient reduce night seizures and sweating during/after seizures through lifestyle measures?

From the Guidelines

Epileptic seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and a young adult female patient can reduce night seizures and sweating during/after seizures by adopting lifestyle measures such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, managing stress, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and recreational drugs. According to the most recent study 1, seizures are classified as focal onset, generalized onset, or unknown onset, and understanding the type of seizure is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.

Causes of Epileptic Seizures

The causes of epileptic seizures are multifactorial and can include genetic predisposition, brain injury, infections, developmental disorders, or metabolic abnormalities. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) defines epilepsy as having at least two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, or one unprovoked seizure and a probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk after two unprovoked seizures, occurring over the next 10 years 1.

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Night Seizures and Sweating

To reduce night seizures and sweating, the patient can try the following lifestyle modifications:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule with 7-8 hours of quality sleep to avoid sleep deprivation, a common seizure trigger
• Managing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce seizure frequency
• Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, which can lower seizure threshold
• Keeping a seizure diary to track patterns related to menstrual cycle, sleep quality, and stress levels to identify personal triggers
• Using breathable bedding materials and moisture-wicking pajamas to manage night sweats
• Keeping the bedroom cool (65-68°F) to reduce both seizures and sweating
• Regular exercise during daytime hours to improve sleep quality and overall health, but done at least 3 hours before bedtime
• Staying well-hydrated throughout the day but limiting fluids 2 hours before sleep to manage sweating without causing dehydration

These measures complement medical treatment but should not replace prescribed anticonvulsant medications, which remain the primary treatment for epilepsy. It is essential to note that reproductive endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can be associated with epilepsy and antiepileptic drug treatment, and may require evaluation and management by a neurologist and endocrinologist or gynaecologist 1.

From the Research

Causes of Epileptic Seizures

• Epileptic seizures are caused by abnormal and excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain 2
• The primary goal of epilepsy treatment is to eliminate seizures while minimizing adverse effects of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) 2

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Night Seizures

• Getting good quantity and quality sleep is required for memory consolidation and synaptic plasticity, and poor sleep quality or quantity may worsen seizure control 3
• Some antiepileptic drugs, such as gabapentin, tiagabine, pregabalin, clobazam, and carbamazepine, can reduce sleep latency and/or improve sleep efficiency 3
• Vagus nerve stimulation and ketogenic diet may also improve sleep architecture and reduce daytime sleepiness 3
• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a sleep-conducive environment may help reduce night seizures

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Sweating During/After Seizures

• There is limited research on the specific topic of reducing sweating during/after seizures
• However, some studies suggest that certain antiepileptic drugs, such as topiramate and zonisamide, may not aggravate daytime sleepiness, which could potentially reduce sweating during/after seizures 3
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, may also help reduce sweating during/after seizures

Additional Considerations

• Patients with epilepsy should work with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account their individual needs and medical history 2, 4, 5, 6
• Lifestyle measures, such as getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures 4, 5
• Patients with epilepsy should also be aware of the potential risks and benefits of antiepileptic drugs and work with their healthcare provider to minimize adverse effects 2, 6