Can Stress Cause Seizures? Understanding the Connection

Austin Cole
May 17
13 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

We’ve all felt stressed – whether it’s cramming for exams, dealing with work deadlines, or handling personal drama. Stress can make your heart race, your head pound, and your palms sweat. But if you’re a young adult living with epilepsy, you might wonder: Can all that stress actually cause a seizure? In this post, we’ll explore

-How stress affects your brain and body,

-How it might trigger seizures in people with epilepsy

-If stress can spark seizures even if you don’t have an epilepsy diagnosis

-Common misconceptions and share practical tips for managing stress.

How Stress Affects the Brain and Body

When you’re stressed out, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode – basically, it’s gearing up to face a challenge. This stress response starts in your brain. Imagine your brain sounding an alarm: it signals your adrenal glands to pump out stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline. These chemicals race through your bloodstream, causing a burst of physical reactions: your heart beats faster, your blood pressure rises, and your breathing quickens. You might feel shaky or on edge. These reactions are meant to protect you in an emergency (like giving you the energy to run from danger). Scientists describe how the sympathetic nervous system floods the body with adrenaline and noradrenaline during stress, triggering those classic fight-or-flight reactions.

Another key player is cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” It’s released by a different pathway (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) when you’re under stress. Cortisol helps keep you on high alert by increasing blood sugar for quick energy and altering the way your brain and immune system work. In the short term, these changes can be helpful – you feel alert and focused. But if stress sticks around too long (chronic stress), these hormones can start to have negative effects, making you feel worn down or anxious.

So what about the brain itself during stress? Those stress hormones and neurotransmitters don’t just affect your heart and muscles – they also impact your neurons (the nerve cells in your brain). Essentially, stress chemicals can make neurons more excitable. Think of it like your brain’s electrical system is being put on high voltage. Research shows that emotional stress causes changes in hormones and brain chemicals that can increase nerve cell excitability in the brain. In a brain without any issues, this extra excitability usually doesn’t do harm – you just feel “amped up” or maybe frazzled. But in a brain with a tendency for seizures (like in someone with epilepsy), that extra excitability might lower the threshold for a seizure. In simple terms, stress can push an already sensitive brain closer to the point where a seizure happens.

You can imagine it like this: if your brain were a boiling pot, having epilepsy means the water is already near boiling. Stress is like turning up the heat – it might make the pot boil over (i.e., trigger a seizure) more easily than if the heat stayed low. Now, let’s look more closely at how stress and epilepsy interact.

Stress as a Seizure Trigger in Epilepsy

For many people with an epilepsy diagnosis, stress is a well-known seizure trigger. In fact, it’s one of the most commonly reported triggers. Studies from around the world have found that anywhere from about 10% to as high as 80% of people with epilepsy say that stress can provoke their seizures. That’s a huge range, but it highlights something important: everyone’s epilepsy is different. Some folks are very sensitive to stress, while others might not notice a big link. But overall, a lot of people do feel that when they’re stressed, they’re more likely to have a seizure.

What kind of stress are we talking about? It could be emotional stress (like anxiety, fear, anger, or even excitement), or physical stress on the body (like lack of sleep, illness, or extreme exhaustion). Emotional turmoil – say, going through a breakup or a heavy workload – can translate into physical changes (remember those stress hormones and lost sleep) that tip the balance in the brain. Doctors have observed for decades that patients often had more seizures on “high-stress” days than on calmer days.. Major life upheavals can have an effect too. For example, studies found that during wartime or natural disasters – obviously very stressful times – people with epilepsy experienced more frequent seizures on average. (One study during the early 1990s war in Croatia noted that children with epilepsy in war-affected areas had seizures more often than those in peaceful areas.) All of this points to a clear connection: stress can ramp up seizure activity in those already diagnosed with epilepsy.

Why does this happen? There are a few theories:

Direct effects on the brain: As we discussed, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can make brain cells more excitable. If neurons start firing out of sync or too intensely, that could trigger a seizure burst in someone predisposed. A recent 2021 study suggested that long-term stress might lead to more frequent seizures, and interestingly, it hinted that inflammation in the brain (which can be caused by chronic stress) could be part of the puzzle. The relationship isn’t simple, but it suggests that being under constant stress could biologically prime the brain for more seizures.
Indirect effects: Stress often comes hand-in-hand with other seizure triggers. Think about it – when you’re super stressed, do you sleep as well? Probably not. Sleep deprivation is a notorious trigger for many with epilepsy. Stress might also lead to skipping meals (low blood sugar can provoke seizures for some) or forgetting to take your medication on time. You might drink more caffeine to cope, or even drink alcohol to unwind, and these habits can lower your seizure threshold. In other words, stress can create a domino effect of bad habits or physical strains that culminate in a seizure. As one medical source put it, stress may indirectly trigger seizures by disturbing sleep and routine – for example, a stressed person might not sleep well, skip meals, or miss doses of their epilepsy meds.

Given these factors, it’s no surprise that stress is often mentioned as a trigger. But it’s also worth noting that not every person with epilepsy will have stress-triggered seizures, and not every stressful moment leads to a seizure. It can be quite individual. One expert noted that stress is a highly subjective experience – what feels overwhelming to one person might be only a minor bump to another – and this makes it tricky to predict exactly when stress will cause a seizure. Some people might have a seizure during a stressful event (like in the middle of a heated argument), while others might only have one after the stress is over (like the weekend after a tough exam week). And sometimes, seizures seem to strike out of the blue with no stress involved at all.

The takeaway here is that stress can and does trigger seizures for many people with epilepsy, and reducing stress might help reduce seizures for those individuals. In fact, doctors and researchers have been exploring stress-reduction as part of epilepsy management. One review of studies found that efforts at stress reduction (like relaxation techniques) showed promise in cutting down seizure frequency for some patients. We’ll talk more about stress management later, but first, let’s answer another big question: what about people who don’t have epilepsy? Can stress cause them to seize?

Can Stress Trigger Seizures in People Without Epilepsy?

Maybe you’ve experienced or heard of someone having a “stress seizure” despite no prior epilepsy diagnosis. Does that really happen? The answer is a bit nuanced. Generally speaking, ordinary emotional stress by itself is not known to cause an epileptic seizure in someone who has never had one before. In other words, if you do not have epilepsy, it’s highly unlikely that an argument with your boss or the pressure of college finals will suddenly make you have a classic epileptic seizure. Also, stress alone isn’t considered a direct cause of developing epilepsy – you don’t get epilepsy just because you’ve been stressed out for a long time. So for the average person without epilepsy, the everyday ups and downs of stress won’t typically flip the switch into a seizure.

However, there are a couple of important caveats and scenarios to be aware of:

First Seizures Unmasked by Stress: In some rare cases, a person’s first-ever seizure might occur during an extremely stressful event. There are historical reports and some studies suggesting that severe stress (like trauma or major loss) can precipitate new-onset seizures in people who were not previously diagnosed. For example, imagine someone with an unknowingly lowered seizure threshold (due to subtle genetic factors or a slight brain abnormality they didn’t know about). They go through a massive life stressor, and bam – they have a seizure. Doctors sometimes hypothesize that the stress “lowered the seizure threshold” enough to reveal an underlying epilepsy tendency. In such cases, stress was the trigger that uncovered the epilepsy. Afterward, that person would be evaluated for epilepsy (since generally, having an unprovoked seizure means there’s a risk of more). The key point is that the person likely had some predisposition; the stress wasn’t the sole cause, but rather the final straw that exposed the condition.
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES): Not all events that look like seizures are due to epilepsy. PNES – also known by names like dissociative seizures, stress seizures, or functional seizures – are episodes that outwardly resemble epileptic seizures (with tremors, blackouts, etc.) but are not caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Instead, they have a psychological origin. Intense emotional stress or past trauma can cause the brain to essentially “short-circuit” in a different way, resulting in a seizure-like episode. Importantly, these events are involuntary and real – the person isn’t faking it. It’s a condition often linked to things like anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological issues. Stress is a major factor in PNES, which is why they’re sometimes called stress-induced seizures or psychogenic seizures. For example, someone who’s overwhelmed by a situation might have a PNES episode as their body’s way of reacting to that psychological stress. These are classified differently from epilepsy. One medical resource explains that emotional stress can indeed be the underlying cause of a psychogenic non-epileptic seizure. In other words, a person with no epilepsy can have a seizure-like attack purely from stress – but by definition, that would be PNES, not an epileptic seizure. (It’s worth noting you’d need a doctor to run tests like an EEG to tell the difference between PNES and epilepsy, since from the outside they can look similar.)
Fainting or Panic Attacks: Sometimes people might mistake a severe panic attack or a fainting spell for a seizure. Extreme anxiety can cause someone to hyperventilate, feel dizzy, and even pass out. While fainting from stress (vasovagal syncope) is not a seizure, it can be confused with one if someone jerks a bit while unconscious. A panic attack can also cause trembling, a racing heart, feeling detached, and tingling – symptoms that could be misinterpreted as a seizure by the person experiencing it. The distinction is that these events don’t involve the abnormal brain electrical activity seen in epilepsy. A panic attack or a faint will generally resolve on its own and doesn’t show epileptic patterns on an EEG. They are managed differently (breathing techniques for panic, for instance).

So, to sum up this part: If you don’t have epilepsy, your everyday emotional stress isn’t likely to cause an epileptic seizure. It’s not something that should make you worry “Oh no, I’m so stressed I might give myself seizures.” That said, extreme stress can cause other medical events (like PNES or fainting), and in rare instances it might trigger someone’s very first epileptic seizure if they were already predisposed. But you can’t exactly “get epilepsy” just from being stressed – there are usually other factors at play. In fact, one expert Dr. Heidi Moawad flat-out states that emotional stress does not cause epileptic seizures in people without a history of them, nor is it a known cause of epilepsy itself. It’s reassuring to know that if you’re otherwise healthy, stress — while it can make you feel awful — isn’t going to directly strike you down with a seizure. Still, managing stress is important for lots of reasons (mental health, cardiovascular health, etc.), and especially so if you do have epilepsy.

Practical Tips for Managing Stress

You can’t eliminate stress from life (and hey, some stress is actually motivating), but you can learn to manage it better. Here are some young-adult-friendly strategies to keep stress in check and possibly help reduce seizure triggers:

Keep a Stress Journal: One of the first steps is figuring out what exactly is stressing you and when. Try jotting down notes when you feel stressed and when you have seizures. The Epilepsy Foundation suggests tracking your stress to spot patterns – basically, “study your life stressors” by keeping a journal of what’s going on when you feel tense. Over time, you might notice, for example, that you often have seizures after pulling all-nighters or during exam weeks. Recognizing these patterns can help you prepare for or possibly avoid some triggers.
Stick to a Routine: Our bodies (and brains) love routine. Stress can knock your daily schedule out of whack – you might stay up late worrying or skip meals. But maintaining regular habits is crucial, especially with epilepsy. Try to get consistent sleep every night (sleep deprivation is a big seizure trigger on its own). Eat regular, healthy meals to keep your blood sugar steady. And of course, take your anti-seizure medication on schedule. Stress often makes these things harder, but they’re your foundation. By keeping a routine, you reduce additional stresses on your body. Remember, stress often triggers seizures indirectly by messing with sleep and health habits, so guarding those habits can buffer you.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: When you feel anxiety or anger rising, having a go-to relaxation practice can be a lifesaver. This could be deep breathing exercises (like the classic 4-7-8 breathing, where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8), progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. Even just a few minutes of slow, controlled breathing can signal your body to calm down. Experts say methods like controlled breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can reduce stress and are low-risk ways to possibly help with seizure control too. There are lots of great apps and YouTube videos that guide you through 5-10 minute relaxation routines – perfect for a study break or winding down before bed.
Get Active: Physical activity is one of the best stress busters. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals) that counteract stress hormones. You don’t have to become a gym rat; even a brisk walk, a short jog, dancing in your room to your favorite tunes, or doing some yoga stretches can help. Find something you enjoy – shooting hoops, biking, swimming, etc. – and make it a regular habit. Exercise not only reduces stress in the moment, but can also improve your sleep and mood, which indirectly helps with seizure management. Just remember to stay safe and avoid any sports that your doctor has advised against if you have uncontrolled seizures (for example, unsupervised swimming or rock climbing might be risky).
Connect with Others: Don’t underestimate the power of talking it out. Whether it’s venting to a trusted friend, confiding in a family member, or joining a support group or online forums for young adults with epilepsy can be great - we have weekly Peer Support Groups and a Discord Group. Sharing what you’re going through helps lighten the emotional load. Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone and hearing “I get it” from someone else can drastically reduce stress. Plus, friends might help you laugh, and laughter is a pretty good stress medicine too.
Know Your Limits and Learn to Say No: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by commitments – maybe work, classes, social events, all piling up – it’s okay to take a step back. Young adults often feel pressured to juggle everything, but burnout is real. Give yourself permission to say “no” or “not right now” to things that aren’t urgent. If you’re studying and your brain is fried, take a short break. If your calendar is packed, see if you can delegate or postpone something. Taking breaks to do something calming (listen to music, play a video game, take a quick nap) isn’t slacking; it’s recharging so you can come back stronger. Your brain will thank you.
Avoid Unhealthy Coping (Alcohol, Caffeine, etc.): When stressed, many of us reach for a cup of coffee or a drink in the evening. Be cautious with these. Too much caffeine can make you jittery and anxious, actually increasing stress and messing with your sleep later. Alcohol might relax you initially, but it can interfere with sleep quality and even interact with epilepsy medications. And waking up hungover or dehydrated is definitely not helpful for seizure control. Try to limit these substances, especially during high-stress times. Opt for water or herbal tea to stay hydrated and calm.
Seek Professional Help If Needed: Sometimes stress or anxiety can become overwhelming or turn into something more, like an anxiety disorder or depression (which are not uncommon in people with epilepsy). There is absolutely no shame in reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy – such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – can provide you with personalized strategies to manage stress, reframe anxious thoughts, and cope with the challenges of epilepsy. Therapists can also help with relaxation techniques and addressing any trauma if that’s a factor. If therapy’s not accessible, even speaking to your neurologist about what you’re feeling is important; they might suggest stress management workshops, support groups, or in some cases medication for anxiety if appropriate. The bottom line: help is out there, and you don’t have to tough it out alone.
Embrace Hobbies and Downtime: Make sure you have joyful activities in your life that have nothing to do with epilepsy or whatever is stressing you. Creative hobbies like art, music, writing, or just unwinding with a good video game or book can act as a pressure valve for stress. Scheduling a little “me time” each day – even 15-20 minutes – to do something you love can keep stress levels from boiling over. It might feel hard to justify fun or relaxation when you’re busy, but think of it as an investment in your health.

By trying some of these strategies, you can build up your resilience to stress. It’s kind of like training your nervous system to stay cool under pressure. Many people with epilepsy find that managing stress better not only improves their overall mood but also gives them a greater sense of control over their condition.

Conclusion

So, can stress cause seizures? In summary: stress does not cause epilepsy, but if you have epilepsy, stress can sometimes cause you to have more seizures or an occasional seizure. It’s a significant piece of the puzzle for many individuals with epilepsy – a piece that you do have some power to manage. Even for those without epilepsy, stress can wreak havoc in other ways, so learning to handle stress is beneficial for everyone.

Understanding the connection between stress and seizures means you don’t have to feel helpless when life gets chaotic. You can recognize what’s happening in your body (“Okay, my heart’s racing and I’m feeling on edge – my stress response is in high gear right now.”), and you can take steps to calm your system before it triggers any problems. Think of it as having an emergency brake you can pull when you start rolling too fast down the stress hill.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many young adults with epilepsy face the same stress-seizure struggle, and there’s a community and healthcare professionals ready to support you. By talking openly about stress, epilepsy, and mental health, we can break down the stigma and tackle the challenges together. Keep communicating with your doctors about your stress levels and seizure patterns – they can help adjust your care plan accordingly (for example, some doctors might prescribe anti-anxiety medication or suggest therapy as part of your epilepsy treatment if stress is a big trigger for you).

Sources: