People with a seizure disorder, also known as epilepsy, experience an interruption in the electrical activity in the brain. When this occurs, various types of seizures take place. Many abnormalities of the nervous system can result in seizure activity, however, approximately 35 percent of all cases of epilepsy do not have a clear cause, according to the Neurology Channel.
Family History
A family history of epilepsy is one possible cause of seizure disorders. Some people may have a genetic disposition for this disorder, especially those whose family members have a mutant gene--a gene that is damaged--that passes on from one family member to another. Those at greatest risk are people whose parents or siblings suffer from seizures. Further research is underway to determine if a specific link exists between specific genes and certain types of epilepsy.
Injuries to the Head
While head injuries are an important cause of seizure disorders, as the Epilepsy Foundation explains, not just an injury will ultimately result in this disorder. It is not clear how extensive the injury must be or what type of injury must occur. What is clear, however, is that the injury can be either an open or closed wound. It is also clear that injuries producing only a brief loss of consciousness, or no loss of consciousness, do not place a person at risk for developing seizures. In addition, the seizure disorder may not present itself right away; it may take several years between the occurrence of the injury and the development of the disorder.
Environmental Causes
Withdrawal from a variety of addictions may produce seizure activity, and these include withdrawal from alcohol, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. The seizures can begin within 12 to 24 hours after the last drink or use of drugs, but may take up to 48 hours once a person has taken his last drink after binge drinking.
Certain drugs such as lithium, tricyclic antidepressants, high doses of penicillin and antipsychotic medications may also lead to the occurrence of seizures. This is especially true when a person discontinues the use of these drugs suddenly.
Fetal Injury
Approximately 20 percent of seizures in children are due to cerebral palsy or various neurological abnormalities, according to staff at the Mayo Clinic. Brain damage is the result of these conditions, and the conditions are caused by infections the mother suffers during pregnancy, poor nutrition during pregnancy or lack of oxygen to the fetus. Injury sustained during delivery may also be the culprit.
