Grand Mal Seizures: Causes

What causes grand mal seizures?

Grand mal seizures may occur just once or, if they recur, may be an indication of epilepsy. All seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which may be a result of injury, illness, a genetic condition, or may have no known cause. In patients with epilepsy, a grand mal seizure may arise from a trigger, such as mental or physical stress.

Causes of grand mal seizures

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain may arise from a variety of causes, many of which can be serious or potentially life threatening including:

• Alcohol and drug withdrawal
• Brain infection
• Brain injury
• Brain tumor
• Certain genetic conditions such as phenylketonuria (inability to break down the amino acid phenylalanine)
• Dementia
• Encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain due to a viral infection or other causes)
• Recent brain surgery

Triggers of grand mal seizures

A single grand mal seizure, especially in people with epilepsy, may result from a trigger including:

• Consumption of alcohol or other drugs
• Emotional stress
• Lack of sleep
• Medication side effects
• Trauma to the head

What are the risk factors for grand mal seizures?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing grand mal seizures. Not all people with risk factors will get grand mal seizures. Risk factors for grand mal seizures include:

• Family history of certain genetic conditions
• Family history of epilepsy
• Recent brain surgery
• Recent head injury
• Recent infection of the brain

Reducing your risk of grand mal seizures

If you are prone to seizures or have epilepsy, trigger avoidance may be the best way to avoid a grand mal seizure. Eating a balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle may also minimize your risk of seizure.

You may be able to lower your risk of grand mal seizures by:

• Avoiding alcohol and drugs
• Avoiding emotional stress
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Following the treatment plan prescribed by your medical professional
• Getting enough sleep