Triggers are internal or external environmental factors that may cause a seizure in your child. Some triggers can be easily managed if you are aware of them, for example by taking medication according to schedule and getting adequate sleep. Over time you will discover what specific things tend to trigger seizures in your child. Learn to avoid these triggers and teach your child to avoid them as well.
Examples of some common triggers are:
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missing medication: Even missing one dose of medication can sometimes lead to a seizure. Suddenly stopping medication can be very dangerous.
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lack of sleep: Since sleep has an effect on brain activity, lack of sleep can trigger or worsen seizures.
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caffeine
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alcohol
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drugs, including street drugs or over-the-counter drugs
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in rare instance, flashing lights, such as strobe lights in a dance club or patterns on a TV or computer screen
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fevers, colds, or infections
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short, rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
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menstrual cycle
For those triggers that cannot be avoided, you can try to compensate with extra care in other ways. For example, when your child has a cold, you can try to ensure he gets lots of sleep and nutritious foods.
Some triggers may become more of an issue as your child gets older. Your teenager may wish to experiment with alcohol or drugs, or stay up all night studying for exams or socializing with friends. Explaining to him about triggers and their dangers may not have a significant effect. Teens will often see the benefit of sleep and avoiding alcohol if they have a seizure. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle while your child is still young may ensure greater compliance as the child becomes older.