From the Guidelines
Yes, loud sounds can trigger seizures in some individuals, a condition known as audiogenic epilepsy or noise-induced seizures, as supported by the most recent evidence from 1. This condition is most common in people with certain types of epilepsy, particularly reflex epilepsy, where specific stimuli can provoke seizures. The mechanism involves the brain's abnormal electrical response to intense auditory stimulation, which can disrupt normal brain activity and trigger a seizure. Common sound triggers include:
- Sudden loud noises
- Specific tones or frequencies
- Prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds People who experience this sensitivity should consider:
- Wearing ear protection in noisy environments
- Gradually exposing themselves to potentially triggering sounds (under medical supervision)
- Maintaining good seizure management through prescribed anti-epileptic medications like levetiracetam, lamotrigine, or valproate If you suspect sound-triggered seizures, it's essential to consult a neurologist who can perform specialized testing, including EEG monitoring with sound stimuli, to confirm the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Keeping a seizure diary noting potential sound triggers can help identify patterns and improve management, as noted in 1 and 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 prioritizes the diagnosis and treatment of seizures, including those triggered by loud sounds, to minimize morbidity and mortality, and improve quality of life.
From the Research
Loud Sounds and Seizures
- There is limited research directly addressing whether loud sounds can trigger seizures 2.
- A study on audio recordings of seizures found that certain seizure types, such as hyperkinetic and tonic-clonic seizures, can be accurately identified by epileptologists based on specific sounds associated with the seizures, including disordered breathing, rhythmic sounds, and ictal vocalizations 2.
- However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that loud sounds can trigger seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
- Research has focused on the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in controlling seizures, with studies comparing the effectiveness of different medications such as levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and sodium valproate 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These studies have not investigated the relationship between loud sounds and seizure triggers.
Antiepileptic Drug Efficacy
- Levetiracetam and sodium valproate have been shown to have similar efficacy in controlling seizures in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy 5.
- Lamotrigine has been found to be less effective than levetiracetam and sodium valproate in controlling seizures and myoclonic jerks in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy 5.
- A network meta-analysis of antiepileptic drugs found that levetiracetam performed significantly better than carbamazepine and lamotrigine in individuals with partial seizures, while sodium valproate performed significantly better than carbamazepine, topiramate, and phenobarbitone in individuals with generalized onset seizures 3.