There are many causes of seizures, from head trauma and injury to stroke and infections. Although the number of late-onset epilepsy has increased in recent decades, the course remains unknown or completely unknown in 32% to 48% of cases. There is still much to learn about the seizure and its causes, and much research needs to be done.
Seizure mechanism in the body
Recent concerns are that high blood pressure may be the underlying cause of seizures. In a 2021 study, it was stated that increased blood pressure can result in a high risk of seizure by two times. In that same study, it showed that the use of antihypertensive can decrease the risk.
The condition of the vessels was shown as a contributory factor to the onset of seizures by either increasing or decreasing the rate of blood movement to the brain, which eventually leads to seizure
Why does high blood pressure increase the risk of seizure?
Despite several studies that link the risk factor of seizure to high blood pressure, concrete scientific evidence is yet to corroborate this fact and why it is so. This suggestive result is fascinating, regardless of whether high blood pressure is a risk factor that should be linked to seizure. It is taught that high blood pressure, with or without a stroke, can cause small artery disease throughout the brain, causing damage at a microscopic level
These lesions can cause epilepsy, with or without a stroke. Visible or symptomatic stroke. This research is important because high blood pressure is not only Common but also modifiable. That means there may be a way to evaluate and treat high blood pressure.
This needs to be followed up in a larger and more diverse patient population to accurately assess the extent to which this is a risk factor and to test potential interventions. One theory (of several) is that this relationship originates from the renin-angiotensin system RAS. In your brain.
A brain-specific area is responsible for blood pressure regulation. Studies conducted in mice showed that mice with repeated seizures had a 2.6 to 8.24-fold increase in RAS components compared to mice without seizures. However, as has already been mentioned, this is just a theory among many, none of which have yet been conclusively and unquestionably proven. To confirm the reason for this, more research is needed.
What is a seizure?
First, to function properly, neurons in the brain must communicate properly with each other by producing electrical and chemical signals. When abnormal electrical activity occurs suddenly and uncontrollably in a group of neurons, it can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning and cause seizures
Types of seizures
There are two major types of seizures:
- Provoked seizures: these are seizures that are caused by physical causes such as withdrawal syndrome (from drugs or alcohol) head or brain injury, Infection, stroke, fever, toxic effects of drugs or poisonous
- Unexplained seizures: These seizures are caused by an obvious cause, epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes two or more unprovoked seizures. Epileptic seizures can be further classified according to their onset
- Generalized seizures: General occurrences occur when abdominal electrical activity affects both hemispheres.
- Focal seizures/partial seizures: Focal seizures are seizures that begin in one area of the brain. If it’s spread, generalized seizures can occur
- Seizures of unknown onset: When seizures cannot be classified as generalized or focal seizures because the cause cannot be determined, this seizures are instead classified as seizures of unknown onset
Tips to avoid high blood pressure
High blood pressure can be prevented through aerobic exercise in several ways.
Now is the appropriate time for you to change your diet style more specifically if you have high blood pressure or there are indicators for you to have. Follow this suggested rich diet to help improve your blood pressure. Prevents your blood vessels from becoming Stiff, Stiff blood vessels do not expand as blood travels through, therefore causing high blood pressure
Reduces the thickness of the left ventricular war
The heart chamber that is saddled with the function of pumping oxygenated blood around the body is the left ventricle
Blood is pushed out with force if the left ventricle has a thicker wall. This situation may result in high blood pressure. Based on medical recommendations, you need to do aerobic exercise for almost 30 – 45 minutes. These are recommended aerobic exercises you can do:
Swimming
Jogging
Cycling sports
Vitamins
It was stated in some studies that vitamins C, D, and B6 can help reduce blood pressure. However, this theory is controversial. That is why you must keep on with your medications according to your GP’s prescription.
You need to get enough vitamins C and D, as a deficiency in these vitamins is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. You can get these vitamins by eating vitamin-rich foods or by taking supplements. Be sure to take these vitamin supplements as directed by your doctor, especially if you are taking medications or other nutritional supplements.
When to see a doctor?
It is recommended that people between the ages of 18 and 40 have their blood pressure checked every 2 years. People over the age of 40 should have their blood pressure checked every year and can do so at their local GP. If your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher and you have the following symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Severe headache
- Numbness
- Changes invasion
Final thoughts
The reason for this association is unknown, but it does not apply to prescribed treatments. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, lowering your blood pressure is key to reducing your risk of epilepsy and seizures. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be treated with a combination of antihypertensive medications, diet and lifestyle changes
Treating high blood pressure can reduce the risk of late-onset epilepsy. Hypertension increases the risk of epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, as well as stroke-induced seizures. If you have severe high blood pressure and notice any unusual symptoms you may have a hypertensive emergency and should go to the hospital right away
