Seizure threshold

The term seizure threshold is used to describe the balance between excitatory and inhibitory forces in the brain which affect how susceptible a person is to seizures. Those diagnosed with epilepsy or certain other neurological conditions are more vulnerable to seizures if the threshold is reduced, and should be compliant with their anticonvulsant drug regimen.

Medications such as the antidepressant and nicotinic antagonist bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and the atypical opioid analgesics tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER, Ultracet) and tapentadol (Nucynta, Palexia, TAPAL) can lower the seizure threshold. So can other factors, including:

• sleep deprivation
• drug and stimuli withdrawal
• fever
• exposure to flashing or flickering lights including neon lights, strobe lights, video games or even patterns like narrow stripes
• lengthy periods of fasting, malnutrition, starvation, high stress, fear, fatigue and exhaustion
• menstruation
• uncontrolled diabetes, and
• other endocrine and metabolic irregularities (like electrolyte or hormonal imbalances).

Cancer and certain disorders of the nervous, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems can also influence the severity and frequency of seizures.

See also

• Breakthrough seizure
• Seizure trigger