Stress Changes the Electrical Activity in Your Brain
Stress does not actually cause a seizure, but it can be a trigger. When you feel stressed, the activity of the brain and the nervous system increases. Your whole body responds by activating the fight-or-flight response. During this process the brain's electrical activity increases to send signals throughout your body so you can take the appropriate action. If you are prone to seizures, this increased firing of the neurons can trigger a seizure. In addition, studies from Stanford University have shown that prolonged exposure to stress can potentially lead to damage to the brain.
Stress Leads to Hyperventilation and More Brain Wave Activity
If you are in a situation that brings on strong emotions and feelings of stress, you may be more susceptible to a seizure. Feeling stressed can also lead to felling out of control, helpless or anxious. This can lead to a tendency to hyperventilate, which increases brain wave activity. This increase in breathing and brain wave activity can trigger a seizure. In studies published in the Archives of Neurology, patients who were prone to seizures showed increased electrical activity in the brain when they were hyperventilating. When monitored, these patients experienced more seizures during these periods.
Relaxation Techniques Have Been Shown to Help
The Epilepsy Foundation has found that stress can trigger seizures in many patients. They advocate learning relaxation or meditation techniques in order to control your stress levels. This can be especially helpful if you often become anxious when you feel a seizure coming on. If you can learn to initiate a state of relaxation, you may be able to lessen the impact of your seizure.
Tags: activity brain, brain wave, brain wave activity, prone seizures, trigger seizure