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Sleep Seizures – Causes, Signs, and Diagnosis

Sleep seizures, also called nocturnal seizures, occur while one is asleep. But they can be just as dangerous as those that happen while awake. There are different types of sleep seizures, and their severity varies from person to person. The condition can be potentially life-threatening if ignored for a long time. This post discusses a few critical factors of sleep seizures, such as their common causes, symptoms, and methods for diagnosis.

Sleep Seizures – Causes, Signs, and Diagnosis

What causes sleep seizures?
Although the precise cause of sleep seizures is not fully understood, abnormal electrical activity in the brain during sleep is said to be a contributing element. The following are the common factors that increase the risk of developing the signs of nocturnal seizures:

  • Epilepsy
    The most prevalent cause of sleep seizures is epilepsy, a health condition characterized by aberrant electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy patients may have seizures while awake or asleep.
  • Other health issues
    Other health issues, such as brain tumors, infections, head injuries, strokes, and metabolic abnormalities, can contribute to sleep seizures.
  • Genetics
    Genes may play a role in causing specific types of sleep seizures. Some genetic mutations increase a person’s risk of having a stroke while asleep.
  • Sleep disorders
    Certain sleep conditions, such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy, might raise the possibility of having a seizure while asleep.
  • Treatment side effects
    Specific treatments list seizures as a possible side effect.

Sometimes, a severe health issue, such as a brain tumor or infection, may cause sleep seizures. As a result, visiting a doctor is critical. Health experts recommend different tests to diagnose seizures, determine their type, and create an effective treatment strategy.

What are the symptoms of sleep seizures?
The signs of a seizure occurring in sleep may vary depending on the type, such as whether it is a focal, generalized, or tonic-clonic seizure. The signs may also vary depending on the severity. However, they resemble those of seizures that occur while a person is awake. A few common indicators to look out for are:

  • Abnormal movements
    Jerking or twitching of the arms or legs may appear on one or both sides of the body. When the patient is close to a hard object or furniture, these movements might get violent and hurt someone. A person may also occasionally wake up from a sleep seizure and sit, stand, or walk around.
  • Changes in breathing
    Breathing changes are another sign of sleep seizures. A person may breathe erratically or stop breathing during a sleep seizure. If the patient has sleep apnea or another breathing-related sleep condition, it can make them snore or gasp for air, which can be dangerous.
  • Confusion
    This is another common symptom to watch out for. A person may have confusion or trouble communicating or comprehending others after having a sleep seizure. Moreover, they might not remember what happened or feel lost for a while.
  • Incontinence
    Loss of bladder or bowel control, or incontinence, is another sign of seizure in sleep. It can be embarrassing and upsetting for the patient, especially if it happens while they are visiting someone.
  • Sleep disruption
    Sleep disruption from seizure attacks might leave one feeling sleepy or sluggish when they wake. It might also result in fatigue during the day, which can be risky while operating heavy machinery or driving a car.
  • Unusual noises
    Sleep seizures may cause a person to make strange noises like grunting or moaning. These sounds may be intrusive and upsetting to those around them.

In toddlers, the symptoms of sleep seizures usually occur in the early morning, almost at the end of their sleep schedule. Children are also more likely to sleep in a strange position and move their shoulders, arms, pelvis, or legs. Adults may experience all the symptoms of sleep seizures mentioned here but are less likely to suffer from sleepwalking and bedwetting.

How is the condition diagnosed?
Since sleep or nocturnal seizures frequently occur when the person is not awake, they can be challenging to diagnose. The following are a few tests that help experts identify the condition:

  • EEG
    An electroencephalogram (EEG) test assesses brain activity by affixing electrodes to the scalp. If a person experiences sleep seizures, the EEG could reveal unusual brain activity while asleep.
  • Video-EEG
    In this test, a camera is used to record the patient’s behavior while they undergo an EEG. It enables professionals to match one’s actions with their brain activity data. Video-EEG can help identify particular types of seizures that occur while asleep.
  • Sleep study
    A sleep study, commonly referred to as a polysomnogram, is a procedure that tracks brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, and respiration while a person is asleep. Any sleep-related issues that might be causing the seizures can be found with this test.
  • Physical examination and health history
    A doctor may perform a physical exam and inquire about the patient’s health records, including any previous seizures, to rule out underlying disorders that could be causing the problem.

A precise diagnosis and treatment plan should be obtained from a doctor or neurologist if a person is suspected of having the symptoms of sleep seizures.

Disclaimer:
The content of the articles discussing symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects is solely intended for informational purposes. It is imperative that readers do not interpret the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are requested to use their discretion and refrain from treating the suggestions or opinions provided by the writers and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of licensed and expert healthcare professionals when necessary.
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