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Published on: 7/9/2025

What causes seizures to occur upon waking up?

Seizures upon waking up can be linked to changes in brain activity during sleep and waking, and certain types of epilepsy are more common during these times.

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Explanation

Seizures that occur upon waking up are often linked to the transitions between sleep and wakefulness. These transitions can affect brain activity, which may trigger seizures in some people.

Key Points:

  1. Epilepsy Types: Some types of epilepsy, like 'grand mal on awakening,' are more likely to cause seizures when a person wakes up. This is because the brain's electrical activity changes during sleep and waking periods.
  2. Sleep and Epilepsy: Sleep can influence epilepsy in different ways. The brain goes through various stages during sleep, and some of these stages can make seizures more likely.
  3. Interactions: The interactions between sleep and epilepsy are complex. Sleep can both help and hinder epilepsy, depending on the individual and the type of epilepsy they have.

Understanding these interactions can help in managing epilepsy and reducing the risk of seizures upon waking. If you have concerns about seizures, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional.

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