What are the main causes of seizures?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Seizures occur when sudden, abnormal electrical activity disrupts the brain. Common causes include:

Epilepsy – the most frequent underlying condition
Head injuries – concussions or traumatic brain trauma
Infections – such as meningitis or encephalitis
High fever – especially in young children (febrile seizures)
Low blood sugar – often linked to diabetes
Stroke – a leading cause in older adults
Medications or substances – including drug withdrawal or alcohol use

Because seizures can stem from so many different causes—some minor, others serious—identifying the trigger is critical for proper treatment. If you or someone you know has experienced unusual symptoms, don't wait to find answers. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be happening and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn seizure causes with symptom checker Discover if your seizure needs urgent care Find likely reasons for seizure episodes See OTC options for seizure symptoms Find a seizure specialist near you Explore medically valid seizure home remedies Understand if seizures need emergency care

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Explanation

Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The underlying causes vary widely and may include:

Epilepsy: A chronic condition that causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Head injuries: Trauma to the brain from accidents or falls can trigger seizures. Fever (febrile seizures): Common in young children, especially during a rapid spike in body temperature. Infections: Conditions like meningitis or encephalitis can irritate the brain and lead to seizures. Stroke: Disruption of blood flow to the brain may cause seizures, particularly in older adults. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially in people with diabetes, can cause brain dysfunction and seizures. Alcohol or drug use/withdrawal: Certain substances or withdrawal from them can provoke seizures. Brain tumors or lesions: Abnormal growths may affect the brain's electrical activity. Genetic conditions: Some inherited disorders can increase seizure risk.

Identifying the cause is important for determining the right treatment and preventing future seizures. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to help understand what might be happening and when to seek medical care.

(References)

Delanty N, Vaughan CJ, & French JA. (1998). Medical causes of seizures. Lancet (London, England), 9717943.
O'Brien D. (1998). Toxic and metabolic causes of seizures. Clinical techniques in small animal practice, 9775506.
Ettinger AB. (1994). Structural causes of epilepsy. Tumors, cysts, stroke, and .... Neurologic clinics, 8183212.

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