What is the relationship between seizures and orgasms?

From the Guidelines

Seizures and orgasms are connected through their shared neurological mechanisms, involving synchronized electrical activity in the brain, particularly in regions like the temporal lobe and amygdala, as noted in the most recent study 1.

Key Connections

• Both experiences involve intense, synchronized neuronal firing, though directed toward different purposes in normal function.
• The connection between seizures and orgasms explains why some people with epilepsy occasionally experience orgasm-like sensations during seizures, a phenomenon called orgasmic auras, as discussed in 1.
• Conversely, some individuals may experience seizure-like activity during sexual climax, known as orgasm-induced seizures.

Neurotransmitters and Medications

• The neurotransmitters involved in both experiences, such as dopamine and serotonin, play key roles in both processes, as mentioned in 1.
• Some anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or gabapentin can affect sexual function as a side effect, potentially reducing libido or making orgasm more difficult to achieve, as noted in 1.

Practical Implications

• This neurological relationship has practical implications for epilepsy patients, who should discuss any unusual sensations during seizures or sexual activity with their healthcare provider, as these symptoms may inform diagnosis and treatment approaches, as recommended in 1.
• The brain's electrical activity during both experiences represents a complex interplay of neurological mechanisms, highlighting the need for comprehensive care that addresses both seizure management and sexual health, as emphasized in 1 and 1.

From the Research

Connections between Seizures and Orgasms

• Seizures and orgasms have been linked in various studies, with some cases reporting orgasms as a trigger for epileptic seizures 2, 3.
• Orgasm-induced seizures are rare, with most reported cases being in women, and the epileptogenic focus often localized to the right cerebral hemisphere 2, 3.
• One study reported a case of a 36-year-old male with orgasm-induced seizures, which had atypical features compared to previous reports 3.
• Ecstatic epilepsy, which includes orgasmic epilepsy, is thought to be caused by the activation of the anterior insular cortex and certain neuronal networks 4.

Characteristics of Orgasm-Induced Seizures

• Orgasm-induced seizures can occur in individuals with different epileptic syndromes, including those with right temporal or left frontal epileptogenic foci 2.
• Seizures induced by orgasm are often associated with pleasant and affective symptoms, similar to those experienced in ecstatic epilepsy 4.
• The mechanisms underlying orgasm-induced seizures are complex and involve the activation of specific brain regions and networks 4.

Treatment of Orgasm-Induced Seizures

• Antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine, can be effective in controlling orgasm-induced seizures 5, 6.
• The choice of antiepileptic drug should be made with careful consideration of the individual's specific seizure type and medical history 6.
• Lamotrigine and carbamazepine have been compared in terms of their efficacy and tolerability, with lamotrigine being less likely to be withdrawn due to adverse events, but carbamazepine may be superior in terms of seizure control 6.