Seizuresoccur when there is unusual electrical activity in thebrain.
This article reviews the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of nocturnal seizures.
There are several possible reasons why people have seizures.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
Causes often depend on someone’s age and medical history.
But in about half of people who have seizures, there’s no clear explanation.
These include:
Symptoms
Many who experience nocturnal seizures do not know they have them.
Symptoms of nocturnal seizures are often harder to identify because the people who experience them are asleep.
Epileptic seizures can occur at any time while a person is awake or asleep.
An EEG is a test that monitors electrical abnormalities and activity in the brain.
This painless procedure involves pasting tiny electrodes connected to small wires to the scalp.
These electrodes can monitor the brain’s activity while awake and asleep.
Sleep studiesare also commonly done for people who suspect they may be having nocturnal seizures.
This study requires an overnight stay to monitor electrical activity in the brain during sleep.
Treatment and Prevention
There are a few treatments that are known to help prevent seizures.
Antiepileptic Medications (AEDs)
Antiepileptic medicationsare usually the first treatment for seizures.
AEDs work by slowing excessive abnormal electrical signals.
Ketogenic Diet Therapy
Ketogenicdiets are the most common diet therapy used for people who suffer from seizures.
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, high protein, and low carbohydrate diet.
Epileptic surgery involves removing a portion of the brain that’s causing seizures to occur.
The goal of epilepsy surgery is to reduce or eliminate epileptic seizures.
Some procedures could potentially completely stop seizures for many years.
Summary
Seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Many who experience nocturnal seizures do not know they have them.
Some symptoms may include tongue biting, loss of bladder control, headaches upon waking, or involuntary movements.
Nocturnal seizures can be diagnosed through an EEG or sleep study.
The most common treatments include antiepileptic medication, ketogenic diet therapy, and surgery.
Fortunately, there are healthcare professionals, treatments, and other resources that can help.
Every patient is different.
Nocturnal seizures are diagnosed by having an electroencephalogram, or EEG.
An EEG is a test that monitors electrical abnormalities and activity in the brain.
This procedure is non-invasive and involves connecting tiny electrodes with small wires to the scalp.
These electrodes can monitor the brain’s activity while awake and asleep.
Some children outgrow their seizures as they get older.
This happens more commonly when brain imaging is normal, and there are no other neurological issues.
Benign rolandic epilepsy causes nocturnal epilepsy that starts in childhood and often goes away in adulthood.
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