Which Seizure Trigger Is Your Hardest Battle?

For two years after my epilepsy diagnosis, I had no idea seizure triggers even existed. The doctors I saw never mentioned them. When I finally stumbled upon the concept of seizure precipitants, it felt like discovering a missing piece of my own puzzle.
That's when I turned into a detective of my own body. Armed with a daily journal, I started connecting the dots between my seizures and what came before them. Slowly, but surely, the culprits revealed themselves: gluten, low sodium, poor sleep, my menstrual cycle, stress, and anxiety. Each one a potential match that could light the fuse.
The physical triggers: poor sleep, gluten, menstrual cycle and low sodium? I've learned how to manage them better. Eliminating gluten alone slashed my seizures by 60%.
Anxiety and stress— They remain my most relentless opponents in this battle, despite my yoga practice and exercising.
Now I'm wondering: What's YOUR toughest trigger to tame?
Have you found strategies that actually work? Whether it's something you've mastered or something that still defeats you, I want to hear your story. Your experience might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
Share your trigger battles below—let's learn from each other!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group.

Profile picture for tkmoyer3 @tkmoyer3

Thank you all for the triggers of seizures that can occur. Since I’m new to seizures. I’ll have to pay attention to what triggers it. Since I’m only used to a seizure happening if a bleed on the brain occurs. But I have to say that I’ve cut out caffeine since after surgery I’ve noticed the feelings of a seizure but I do drink decaf and I’m okay. In this short period of time I do notice lack of sleep that triggers as my Dr said “focal seizure”. That type is the most weird part of a symptom being a wake the entire time and trying to shake the feeling of it. He has increased my dosage of this new medication. He is wanting me to have this sleep deprivation EEG test but my insurance is having me wait. The Dr wants to know which part is triggering this.

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@tkmoyer3 TK, first is your insurance and the EEG test. When my insurance company gave me problems, my neurologist stepped in immediately. His goal was to find who was the "actual" person that was approving or disapproving. He acted within 2 days or less, not giving that "actual" person time to shift the blame of disapproval to subordinates. He did not do anything unethical; just trying to get his patient help ASAP. He went into detail of why I needed their cooperation and the insurance company always obliged his request. If your physician acts as an intermediary immediately with the insurance company, you'll likely get financial success; BUT he has to be willing to put in the time for you. 2nd, on the decaf coffee; I've contacted 2 coffee companies who presently do not make decaf. I explained (not complained) that they are missing a big market because of people who have medical conditions that require decaf. One company seemed to have real interest. So, I gave them an example of the lost market such as those who have a seizure condition. After the word seizure, they had no interest. Anyway, try to get your doctor to be more proactive on your behalf.

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Your experience with your physician was like mine. I didn't know of such a thing until I was diagnosed 10 years prior. Conducting by eliminating, my seizures are triggered by lack of sleep and stress. Example: I was seizure free for 1.5 years; the first time in 25 years. The owner of my wife's company made some horrendous decisions 10 days prior to Christmas this year. Ruined many a holiday season for people. Stress for me; absolutely because of the unprofessional way and how he showed the employees of his decisions. This stress caused a seizure. I thought I was on my way to becoming independent again. Bottom line: stress and lack of sleep for me. I am glad for you that you've identified your sources of triggers.

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Thank you all for the triggers of seizures that can occur. Since I’m new to seizures. I’ll have to pay attention to what triggers it. Since I’m only used to a seizure happening if a bleed on the brain occurs. But I have to say that I’ve cut out caffeine since after surgery I’ve noticed the feelings of a seizure but I do drink decaf and I’m okay. In this short period of time I do notice lack of sleep that triggers as my Dr said “focal seizure”. That type is the most weird part of a symptom being a wake the entire time and trying to shake the feeling of it. He has increased my dosage of this new medication. He is wanting me to have this sleep deprivation EEG test but my insurance is having me wait. The Dr wants to know which part is triggering this.

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Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor @santosha

@randallshields56
Hi Randy, Good Morning
Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
I'm happy to know that these sunglasses have been helping you manage the flashing light trigger and concentrate better.
You've touched on a crucial point: having too much on your plate as a trigger. Not being able to handle everything on my plate the way I once could is definitely one of my biggest sources of stress and anxiety —my hardest triggers to manage. Like you, I practice calming techniques like breathing and yoga, but through my sessions with my neuropsychologist, I've come to realize that a lot of my stress and anxiety comes down to accepting the changes epilepsy has brought to my life, something I'm still actively working through.
I know talking about family members' attitudes can be really difficult and hurtful. I have a few family members who aren't very understanding of my condition, something I've actually also worked through with my neuropsychologist. She's helped me learn how to protect myself and set boundaries.
One of the most positive things I've learned through my epilepsy journey is how to say "no" more often. If someone loses patience and starts communicating aggressively, I'll usually say, "When you're calmer, we can continue this conversation," and then I step away. Honestly, if someone can't respect my condition and limitations, I don't want them close to me. Please don't let people who don't understand your epilepsy hurt you!
Wishing you continued progress and peace. Take care!
Chris

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@santosha Thank you for some good advise. and tips. i do a little of the same as you stated- only now its better here as to family drama. that can be for another time,Hope you had a great trip, have a blessed day.

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Profile picture for Randy Shields @randallshields56

@santosha time out time need to get away from the computer for a bit do something else. Ty

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@randallshields56
Hi Randy, Good Morning
Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
I'm happy to know that these sunglasses have been helping you manage the flashing light trigger and concentrate better.
You've touched on a crucial point: having too much on your plate as a trigger. Not being able to handle everything on my plate the way I once could is definitely one of my biggest sources of stress and anxiety —my hardest triggers to manage. Like you, I practice calming techniques like breathing and yoga, but through my sessions with my neuropsychologist, I've come to realize that a lot of my stress and anxiety comes down to accepting the changes epilepsy has brought to my life, something I'm still actively working through.
I know talking about family members' attitudes can be really difficult and hurtful. I have a few family members who aren't very understanding of my condition, something I've actually also worked through with my neuropsychologist. She's helped me learn how to protect myself and set boundaries.
One of the most positive things I've learned through my epilepsy journey is how to say "no" more often. If someone loses patience and starts communicating aggressively, I'll usually say, "When you're calmer, we can continue this conversation," and then I step away. Honestly, if someone can't respect my condition and limitations, I don't want them close to me. Please don't let people who don't understand your epilepsy hurt you!
Wishing you continued progress and peace. Take care!
Chris

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shoot me a message tomorrow and ill try to get back to you in the afternoon.
thanks.
randy

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Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor @santosha

@randallshields56
Hi Randy!
In the Xcopri discussion, you mentioned that you've learned to recognize when your seizures are coming, sharing some strategies to avoid them.
Would you mind sharing more about that here in this discussion? What do you think your seizure triggers are, and which ones do you still find challenging to manage?
Thank you!
Chris

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@santosha time out time need to get away from the computer for a bit do something else. Ty

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Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor @santosha

@randallshields56
Hi Randy!
In the Xcopri discussion, you mentioned that you've learned to recognize when your seizures are coming, sharing some strategies to avoid them.
Would you mind sharing more about that here in this discussion? What do you think your seizure triggers are, and which ones do you still find challenging to manage?
Thank you!
Chris

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@santosha
Thank you. too many things at nec to sort thru are tuff, the mind starts to mix up the input and you cant seem to settle down, to quiet the madness. trigger function i realize i have too much on my plate. Rest your mind while you think outside the box a sec, best if you can motion someone for a paper and pen or have them handy with friend family member, someone. scratch key words to help you think. this also slows the mind to spell words slower to give the mind time to settle, hopefully that works. with family i raise my hand, i finger out to say time out needed and they can help with messages or whoever needs to be told a small time out please. too much info to move through, that and you really need a good nights rest first , don't fret about your appointment.

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Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor @santosha

@randallshields56
Hi Randy!
Thank you for sharing your triggers with the group.
Unfortunately, epilepsy and AEDs can both affect our cognition. I've experienced cognitive decline too and am still learning to navigate it. This is one of the major reasons for my stress – actually, my hardest trigger to manage.
I think it's really smart that you've been telling people upfront about your epilepsy and that you might need extra time to process questions – it helps manage their expectations.
I've adopted a similar approach – I let people with whom I have an ongoing relationship know about my epilepsy and that I sometimes need extra time to remember things or respond to questions. Most people are understanding, which really helps reduce the stress. For example, I recently told my father's lawyer I wasn't having a good day and asked him to email me his questions so I could respond when I felt better.
I'm glad to hear that breathing exercises help you settle your mind, too!
If I remember correctly, you mentioned in other discussions that you use sunglasses to manage your light sensitivity. How has that been working for you? Have you noticed fewer seizures when you wear them in situations with flashing lights?
You also mentioned going into "shutdown mode" when someone is angry. Could you tell me more about that, please?
Chris

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@santosha
the prescription sunglasses, have reflective tint, can't see my eyes, at the corners the dim the light coming in really helps. i look like a power ranger. but the light restriction also helped me to think better, didn't have that glare.
could concentrate better

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