A milk allergy can cause seizures if you have a severe allergic reaction. Most people do not develop seizures from a milk allergy, but if you develop anaphylaxis you can experience seizures and other potentially life-threatening symptoms. Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that causes a systematic reaction throughout your entire body. If you have a seizure after drinking milk, you need to see an allergist immediately for testing and clinical diagnosis.
Milk Allergy
A milk allergy is caused by a hypersensitivity of the immune system that overreacts to the proteins in milk. Milk contains casein and whey proteins, and you might be allergic to one or both. You should avoid consuming all dairy products even if you're allergic to just one protein because of the possibility of cross-contamination. Once you ingest milk, your immune system begins to attack the proteins with immunoglobulin E antibodies to protect the body. Immunoglobulin E antibodies trigger the creation of various chemicals in the body that lead to inflammation and common symptoms.
Seizures
While most milk allergy symptoms are mild to moderate, some people have severe allergic reactions to the proteins in milk. If you develop anaphylaxis, your body can experience a state of shock. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock develop very quickly, within a few seconds to minutes after you consume milk proteins. Along with seizures, you might develop anxiety, abdominal pain, cramping, high-pitched breathing sounds, diarrhea, facial swelling, lip swelling, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, skin redness, slurred speech, palpitations, hives and nasal congestion. These symptoms are alarming. Call 911 for emergency medical attention.
Testing
If your doctor suspects that you're severely allergic to milk, she will require testing from an allergist. Testing will take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab where milk proteins are introduced into your blood. If your blood reacts by creating immunoglobulin E antibodies, you are allergic to milk. Once diagnosed, you should wear a medical bracelet that discloses your severe allergy to milk, in case of an emergency.
Treatment
The most effective treatment to prevent seizures from a milk allergy is avoid all dairy products. The smallest amount of milk can trigger a severe allergic reaction. Milk is found in hidden places, such as ketchup, deli meats and salad dressings. Seizures from anaphylaxis will require an injection of epinephrine. This medication will cause restoration to the body's normal functionality. If you self-administer the epinephrine you need to call your doctor immediately and go to the emergency room because your symptoms can reappear in 15 minutes.
