A seizure can be a sign of which underlying health problems?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Seizures can have many causes, including excessive alcohol consumption, brain trauma, structural central nervous system abnormalities, or oxygen deprivation from conditions like severe asthma. Other common triggers include high fever, low blood sugar, stroke, infections such as meningitis, and epilepsy. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for proper treatment and prevention of future episodes.

If you or someone you know has experienced a seizure or symptoms you can't explain, don't wait to get clarity. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be happening and guide your next steps—whether that means monitoring at home or seeking urgent care. It takes just a few minutes, is completely confidential, and could help you make informed decisions about your health today.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if seizures need urgent care Discover likely causes of seizure episodes See if your seizure could be serious Find OTC options for seizure-related symptoms Find a doctor for seizure evaluation Learn home remedies for seizure recovery Understand if seizures need a symptom check

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Explanation

Seizures can happen for different reasons. One reason is drinking too much alcohol or having alcohol dependency. People who drink a lot might have seizures because alcohol affects their brain.

Another reason for seizures can be problems in the brain, e.g. when the tissues in the brain are not normal. This can cause seizures and also make someone feel confused or see things that are not there.

Lastly, seizures can also happen if someone has a hard time breathing, like with asthma. When the brain does not get enough oxygen because of breathing problems, it can lead to seizures. If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, take our free symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and when to seek medical care.

(References)

Hillbom M, Pieninkeroinen I, & Leone M. (2003). Seizures in alcohol-dependent patients: epidemiology, .... CNS drugs, 14594442.
Hanine I, Benallel K, Benjelloun R, & Kadiri M. (2024). Seizures, Psychosis, and Cerebral Vascular Malformation. Case reports in psychiatry, 38288394.
Keene DL, Melmed CA, Andermann F, & Baxter DW. (1981). Anoxic tonic seizures due to asthma. The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques, 7296429.

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