Seizure triggers

Back to Epileptic Seizures

This information is for people affected by or concerned about seizure triggers. On this page we tell you about the most common epileptic seizure triggers in children and young people, including poor sleep, missed medication and photosensitivity (flickering lights). 

What are seizure triggers? 

In some people with epilepsy, certain situations can make a seizure more likely to happen. These situations are called ‘triggers’. The things that trigger one person’s seizures might not affect someone else with epilepsy in the same way. Seizure triggers are individual to you. 

It’s important to be aware of what your triggers are and avoid them, where you can. This could help you to have fewer seizures.

Find out about different types of seizures

What is an epileptic seizure?

Discover what an epileptic seizure is, how to identify a seizure in babies and infants, and about non-epileptic seizures and episodes.

Seizure types

Learn about the differences between focal and generalised seizures and how to identify each.

Generalised onset seizures

Learn about generalised onset seizures, their types, causes, and management. Find resources and support for children and young people with epilepsy.

Focal onset seizures

Learn about epileptic seizures in babies and infants, including types and signs, from birth to one year old.

Monitoring seizures

Young Epilepsy’s information about nocturnal seizure monitors and other equipment, apps and services for parents of children with epilepsy.

More information about epilepsy

Causes of epilepsy

Learn about the causes of epilepsy, including genetic, metabolic, unknown origins, and epilepsy in infants, from Young Epilepsy.

Epilepsy syndromes

Learn about common childhood and rare infancy epilepsy syndromes in this informative guide from Young Epilepsy.

Epileptic seizures

Understand epileptic seizures, their types, causes, and management. Find resources and support for living with epilepsy.

Diagnosing epilepsy

Find out how epilepsy is diagnosed, what to expect at your first appointment, and how to get the right support for children and young people.

Treatments for epilepsy

Explore various epilepsy treatments, including medication, surgery, and dietary options. Find resources and support for managing epilepsy effectively.

Common co-occurring conditions

Explore common co-occurring conditions like autism, ADHD and dyspraxia in children with epilepsy, and how to recognise and support them early.

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