What are the common causes of a first seizure in teenagers?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A first seizure in teenagers is often caused by one of the following:

Epilepsy – a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures
Head injury – trauma from sports, falls, or accidents
Infections – such as meningitis or encephalitis
High fever – febrile seizures triggered by rapid temperature spikes
Sleep deprivation – lack of rest lowers the seizure threshold
Drug or alcohol use – including withdrawal or intoxication

Identifying the cause quickly matters, because the right next step depends on it. If your teen just had a first seizure, don't guess or wait in uncertainty—take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand possible causes and get clear guidance on what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of a teen seizure Learn if this seizure needs urgent care Find out what a first seizure means See OTC options for seizure recovery support Find a doctor for seizure evaluation Discover safe home remedies after a seizure Understand if another seizure could happen

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Explanation

Teenagers experiencing a first seizure may have various underlying causes, including:

Epilepsy: A common neurological condition causing recurrent seizures. Head injuries: Trauma from sports, accidents, or falls can trigger seizures. Infections: Illnesses like meningitis or encephalitis may cause seizures. High fever: Febrile seizures, while more common in younger children, can rarely occur in teens. Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can lower seizure threshold. Drug or alcohol use: Intoxication or withdrawal can provoke seizures. Metabolic imbalances: Low blood sugar or electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizures. Brain abnormalities: Structural issues like tumors or malformations. Stress: High emotional or physical stress can be a factor.

If a teenager has a first seizure, prompt medical evaluation is important to diagnose the cause and guide treatment. You can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine the urgency of seeking medical care.

(References)

Kim JS, Woo H, Lee JH, & Kim WS. (2024). Adolescent-Onset Epilepsy: Clinical Features and .... Neuropediatrics, 37995745.
Wheless JW, & Kim HL. (2002). Adolescent seizures and epilepsy syndromes. Epilepsia, 12060005.
Genton P, Thomas P, Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité DG, Medina MT, & Salas-Puig J. (2013). Clinical aspects of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 23756488.

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