Seizure Triggers

Dravet Syndrome seizure triggers can vary from person to person. And just as patterns of seizures for people who have the condition change over time, so do triggers. But, there are certain factors or events that are likely to trigger a seizure in someone. Being aware of these can help with managing seizures in everyday life.

Triggers for the first seizure

The very first seizure in Dravet Syndrome is often triggered by fever, either from an illness that causes a high temperature, or from a childhood vaccination. This is called a febrile seizure. They are common in infancy and, in most cases, do not lead to epilepsy, which is why Dravet Syndrome is often ‘missed’ when the first seizure occurs.

In Dravet Syndrome, a first seizure triggered by fever can last more than five minutes and may occur in infants younger than six months.

The underlying cause of Dravet Syndrome is genetic, so avoiding triggers for fever (such as vaccination) does not prevent or delay Dravet Syndrome.

Fever, infections, the start of an illness, or vaccinations, remain common triggers for seizures throughout life, although with time, someone with Dravet Syndrome may become less sensitive to these.

Common seizure triggers

Temperature change, both hot and cold

Warm baths or weather, or exertion, are common seizure triggers. So is cold weather and things like getting into a cold swimming pool. This is why it’s important to be aware of the environmental temperature and take care with any activity that may quickly change the core temperature of someone living with Dravet Syndrome.

Teething

Teething is often associated with an increase in body temperature, which may be a trigger for seizures in some younger children living with Dravet Syndrome.

Sensitivity to light and patterns

Seizures may be provoked by flashing lights or other light-related triggers, or sometimes as children get a little older, by particular patterns. This can be as simple as light flickering in the car. This is often referred to as ‘photosensitivity and pattern sensitivity’.

Changes to medication

People living with Dravet Syndrome or other epilepsies are particularly sensitive to changes in medication. For this reason, in the UK, the NHS recommends that people with all types of epilepsy continue to get the same version of their epilepsy medicine, wherever possible.

Not taking prescribed seizure medication, or taking it in a way other than what is recommended, can also trigger seizures.

As a child grows in height and weight, or if their weight changes as an adult, this can also affect how their medication works and may trigger a seizure. This is why it is important that medical teams check that medication is still at the correct ratio for a person’s weight and height, and make adjustments, if needed.

Emotional stress or excitement

Stress or feeling excited can trigger seizures in some children and adults, as can lack of sleep or excessive tiredness.

Puberty and menstruation

The onset of puberty may trigger a change in seizures. Monthly periods may also affect seizures.