Most people associate seizures with convulsions, loss of consciousness, and uncontrolled muscle movement. And while that’s certainly true of some types of seizures, it’s not the whole story. There are actually many different types of seizures, and not all of them are as dramatic as the ones that come to mind when you think of the word.
One type of seizure that’s often overlooked is the nocturnal seizure. As the name implies, these seizures occur at night, and they can be quite alarming – especially if you’ve never experienced one before.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the causes of nocturnal seizures and what you can do to manage them.
What Are Nocturnal Seizures?
Nocturnal seizures are seizures that occur during sleep. They can be very mild, or they can be quite severe. Some people may not even be aware that they’ve had a nocturnal seizure unless they are woken up by it or told about it by someone else.
Nocturnal seizures can occur in people of any age, but they are most common in children. In fact, they are the most common type of seizure in children under the age of five.
There are many different types of nocturnal seizures, but the most common is the generalized tonic-clonic seizure. This type of seizure is characterized by muscle rigidity, loss of consciousness, and convulsions.
Nocturnal seizures can be caused by a variety of factors.
What Causes Nocturnal Seizures?
There are many different things that can trigger a nocturnal seizure. Some of the most common triggers include:
Sleep deprivation: This is one of the most common triggers of nocturnal seizures. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your risk of having a seizure goes up.
Stress: Stress can be a trigger for seizures in general, and nocturnal seizures are no exception. If you’re under a lot of stress, it’s important to find ways to relax and reduce your stress levels.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can also trigger nocturnal seizures. If you drink alcohol, it’s important to do so in moderation.
Medications: There are some medications that can increase your risk of having a seizure. If you’re taking any medications, be sure to talk to your doctor about the potential risks.
What Are the Symptoms of Nocturnal Seizures?
The symptoms of nocturnal seizures can vary depending on the type of seizure you have. The most common type of nocturnal seizure is the generalized tonic-clonic seizure, and the symptoms of this type of seizure include:
Muscle rigidity
Loss of consciousness
Convulsions
Breathing problems
Loss of bladder control
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
How Are Nocturnal Seizures Diagnosed?
If you think you may have had a nocturnal seizure, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are a few different ways to diagnose nocturnal seizures, but the most common is through a sleep study.
During a sleep study, you will be monitored overnight so that your doctor can see what happens when you sleep. This can be done in a hospital or in a sleep lab.
Another way to diagnose nocturnal seizures is through an EEG. This is a test that measures your brain waves. An EEG can be done in a hospital or in a sleep lab.
If you have had a seizure, your doctor will likely order an MRI or a CT scan to rule out any other potential causes.
How Are Nocturnal Seizures Treated?
The treatment for nocturnal seizures will vary depending on the underlying cause. If your nocturnal seizures are caused by a medication, your doctor may adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
If your nocturnal seizures are caused by sleep deprivation, your doctor may recommend that you get more sleep. This may mean changing your sleep habits or taking a sleep aid.
If your nocturnal seizures are caused by stress, your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques or counseling.