Can Smoking Trigger Seizures in Epilepsy Patients?

Smoking might do more than harm your lungs and heart—it could also affect brain activity and increase the risk of seizures. Seizures are bursts of abnormal and uncontrolled electric activity in the brain that can lead temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements (stiffness, twitching or limpness), behaviours, sensations or states of awareness.

Recent research has shown that smoking is linked to seizure activity in people with epilepsy and may even elevate seizure risk in healthy individuals. As per a 2024 review of 17 studies, people who smoke had a 1.46 times higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to nonsmokers. Additionally, smokers with epilepsy were four times more likely to experience seizures than nonsmokers. It is pertinent to note that epilepsy is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures in humans and they could be identical as well as non-idential.

Smoking may also increase the frequency and intensity of seizures in individuals with epilepsy. Chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine, arsenic, ammonia, and acetone, are believed to interfere with brain function. Nicotine, in particular, can stimulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which may trigger or exacerbate seizures. Besides triggering seizures, smoking also reduces the effectiveness of certain anti-epileptic medications, like lamotrigine.

Here's What Smoking Does To Your Body If You Are a Non-Smoker

Smoking has a profound negative impact on the body, affecting nearly every organ. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights that smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by damaging blood vessels and reducing blood flow. This can lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Moreover, smoking harms the lungs, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes also impair the immune system, making smokers more susceptible to infections. Additionally, research indicates that smoking can accelerate ageing, resulting in skin damage and premature wrinkles.

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The study emphasizes that quitting smoking can significantly improve health outcomes, with benefits observed shortly after cessation. As awareness grows about the dangers of smoking, it’s crucial to understand its extensive effects on overall health and well-being.

Can Quitting Smoking Help?

Quitting smoking has well-documented health benefits for all people. It could improve your lung function to reduce cancer risks. Besides, people must remember that epilepsy can be prevented or mitigated in several cases. Therefore, for people with this neurological condition, quitting may also help decrease seizure frequency and improve medication effectiveness. There is empirical evidence to support this claim. A study conducted earlier this year found that former smokers did not face the same heightened risk of epilepsy as current smokers, highlighting the potential benefits of quitting. Additionally, by quitting smoking, individuals with epilepsy may experience an overall improvement in their neurological health, reducing other potential triggers for seizures and promoting better overall well-being.