Focal seizures occur in specific areas of the brain and cause symptoms like hallucinations, involuntary movements, reality distortions, and emotional changes. While seizures can occur at any time, some people find that certain events or occurrences can trigger an episode.
While effects can vary greatly from person to person, the following triggers are common among people with seizure disorder:
Additionally, some people experience seizures at specific times, such as early in the morning or late at night.
If you identify a pattern to your seizures or notice certain triggers, it’s best to mitigate those situations when possible. For instance, reducing daily stress and limiting the consumption of caffeine or alcohol can help if those are known triggers. However, you might not be able to avoid all triggers, which is why effective treatment is so important.
When focal seizures are caused by another medical condition or disorder, doctors must address the underlying cause. In cases where focal seizures occur spontaneously or in conjunction with a seizure disorder, medication is often beneficial. Doctors may also recommend surgical procedures, such as electrical stimulation.
Along with treatment, you can sometimes lessen the effects of seizures by making the following lifestyle changes:
Focal seizures may still occur even with lifestyle modification and treatment. That’s why people with seizure disorders must lessen risks whenever possible to ensure personal safety.