Why does epilepsy occur at night?

Written by Liu Shi Xiang
Neurology
Updated on January 27, 2025
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Epilepsy that occurs at night is called sleep-related epilepsy. There are many reasons for this phenomenon, such as excessive fatigue, irregular sleep, menstrual onset, anxiety, depression, and more. Additionally, some patients exhale more carbon dioxide during sleep, causing hyperventilation and internal environmental imbalances, which can easily lead to abnormal discharges of brain neurons. When some patients experience symptoms of epilepsy at night, timely intervention and treatment are needed. First, patients should develop a good lifestyle, go to bed on time, get up on time, avoid staying up late, and avoid excessive fatigue. Furthermore, targeted medication should be given to prevent the onset of the condition. Common medications include lamotrigine, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, and sodium valproate. Besides, patients also need to maintain a good mindset and avoid tense and anxious emotions that could exacerbate symptoms.

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Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
1min 23sec home-news-image

What causes epilepsy in the elderly?

If a patient has no history of epilepsy but begins to experience epileptic seizures in old age, it is generally secondary epilepsy, also known as symptomatic epilepsy. All patients should have a clear cause, but with current diagnostic techniques, it is not always possible to find the cause. If the cause cannot be identified, it is called cryptogenic epilepsy. In such cases, it is generally necessary to improve diagnostic methods, such as cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cranial magnetic resonance angiography. The most common causes of epilepsy in the elderly are generally cerebrovascular disease, brain trauma, or encephalitis, and in some cases, brain tumors. Any disease that causes brain cell damage can potentially cause symptomatic epileptic seizures. If all imaging examinations fail to reveal any abnormalities, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor for early-stage tumors that may not be detectable on imaging tests. Meanwhile, antiepileptic treatment should be administered, and routine blood tests, liver, and kidney functions should be regularly monitored.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
1min home-news-image

Is primary epilepsy easy to treat?

Primary epilepsy is treatable. Primary epilepsy may be related to fetal asphyxia, ischemia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or psychological stimulation during the fetal period. Primary epilepsy generally excludes intracranial space-occupying lesions, brain tumors, strokes, cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, encephalitis, meningitis, and other diseases. Primary epilepsy, through lifestyle, diet, and medication, is relatively easy to treat. Compared to secondary epilepsy, the treatment outcomes and prognosis are better. Patients with primary epilepsy can be treated with medications to control seizures and should avoid overexertion in their daily lives.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 13sec home-news-image

What medicine should not be taken for epilepsy?

Patients with epilepsy mainly rely on some internal medicine drugs for treatment. There are many drugs available today, many of which can effectively control the occurrence of epilepsy and improve the quality of life of the patients. However, it is also important to note that some drugs should not be taken in reduced quantities, Firstly, there are some drugs that affect the liver. Many drugs can impact the liver, and since many antiepileptic drugs are metabolized through the liver, combining them can increase the burden on the liver and even induce necrotic hepatitis, Secondly, it is necessary to choose the medication according to the type of epileptic seizures. For example, if it is a visual seizure, or a myoclonic seizure, then one should not take Phenytoin sodium and Carbamazepine, as these two drugs can potentially exacerbate myoclonic and visual seizures, Thirdly, patients with epilepsy should also avoid taking drugs that affect the metabolism of epilepsy medication. If used together, it can cause a reduction in the efficacy of the epilepsy drugs, easily triggering an epileptic attack, or even a prolonged state of epilepsy.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Do you need to take medication for epilepsy long-term?

Patients with epilepsy are clinically divided into primary and secondary types. Primary epilepsy is mainly treated with medication, and most patients require long-term use of anti-epileptic drugs to control seizures. Some patients can completely control the symptoms of epilepsy with medication; if they are seizure-free for three to five years, it is referred to as clinical cure, and they may discontinue the medication. For patients experiencing primary epilepsy seizures, treatment focuses on the cause of the condition, such as common diseases like cerebrovascular diseases, including cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, brain tumors, encephalitis, brain parasite infections, and cranial trauma. After the primary disease is cured, symptoms of epilepsy may be controlled in these patients. If some patients still experience epilepsy seizures after treatment, they should continue taking long-term oral anti-epileptic drugs to control the seizures.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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Can patients with epilepsy eat mangoes?

Epilepsy patients can eat mangoes. Mangoes are rich in vitamins and can supplement the essential nutrients needed by the human body. However, some people may be allergic to mangoes, and generally should not consume them. There are no specific dietary restrictions for epilepsy patients, but they should try to eat less spicy and greasy food, avoid mental stimulation, which can provoke seizures. Additionally, patients should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement the necessary vitamins and nutrients. They should also have a balanced diet, including lean meat, fish, poultry eggs, soy products, and some milk. It is important to have a regular lifestyle, sleep and wake up on time, and ensure sufficient sleep duration and quality.