What may increase your risk for problems after a seizure?

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What may increase your risk for problems after a seizure?

Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medicines, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your doctor.

Conditions

Toxemia of pregnancy (eclampsia)
A neurological problem that has been present since birth (congenital)
Brain injury, either present at birth (congenital) or from an injury
Previous brain surgery
History of stroke
Age older than 60
- The risk for developing a seizure disorder increases with each decade after age 60.
- A serious problem is likely to be the cause of a seizure in this age group.
- People in this age group have a greater risk for developing chronic illness that can lead to the development of seizures.
- Diseases or aging of the blood vessels (vascular system) cause changes in blood flow to the brain.
- People who are older than 60 also have a higher risk for developing a serious problem from a seizure, such as a fracture from a fall.
A family history of seizures

Lifestyle choices

Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
Drug abuse or withdrawal
Smoking or other tobacco use

Medicines

Blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin, heparin, and aspirin
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
Medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection
Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
Radiation therapy

Diseases

Alzheimer's disease
A bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Cancer
Cerebrovascular disease
Depression
Diabetes
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Kidney disease
Lupus
Lyme disease
Malnutrition or an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia
Multiple sclerosis
Osteoporosis

Credits

Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Last Updated	November 11, 2005

Last updated:	November 11, 2005
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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