It is very important that the cause of your seizures is properly investigated, as this will help determine the appropriate management and support you may need.
Approximately one-third of seizures in older adults will have no known causes. However, where a cause is identified, some common conditions associated with epilepsy and seizures in the later years include:
Stroke: This is one of the greatest contributors to an epilepsy diagnosis in later years. Epilepsy can arise from damage caused to brain tissue as a result of the stroke. This may disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, resulting in seizures.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Similar to a stroke, damage to brain tissue, or the scar tissue following an ABI may predispose someone to developing epilepsy. ABI is an umbrella term that refers to injury to the brain following a range of events, including stroke, lack of oxygen to the brain and degenerative neurological conditions. A brain injury that arises following an accident or blow to the head is termed a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Tumours: Tumours in the brain can disrupt normal electrical and chemical functions, resulting in seizures.
Degenerative conditions: This typically refers to dementia conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, which affect brain tissue and functioning.