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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!
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shoot me a message tomorrow and ill try to get back to you in the afternoon.
thanks.
randy
@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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2 ReactionsStress is one my triggers.
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2 Reactions@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.
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.
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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1 Reaction@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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