can stress cause seizures

Stress can indeed have a broad impact on your body, and while it does not directly cause seizures, it can be a contributing factor in people who are already predisposed to have them or have underlying neurological conditions. Stress might lower the seizure threshold, meaning it makes it more likely for a seizure to occur, but it’s not the only factor at play. In reality, seizures are often multifactorial, arising from an interplay of various triggers, including dehydration, sleep deprivation, alcohol, certain medications, and more. Given your description, it’s possible you experienced a seizure, especially considering the tongue-biting incident, which is commonly associated with tonic-clonic seizures. It’s important you discuss these episodes at length with your healthcare provider, as they may suggest further investigation such as an EEG or MRI to better understand what’s going on. Meanwhile, you should focus on reducing stressors where possible—keep up with the deep breathing and yoga, which are good practices for stress relief, but recognize they work better as part of a broader self-care routine that includes adequate sleep, proper hydration, a balanced diet, and avoiding triggers you might identify. If another episode happens before your doctor’s appointment, or if you experience any serious symptoms like sustained confusion, difficulty breathing, or if the seizures last more than five minutes, seek immediate medical attention. Such symptoms can signify an urgent health issue that requires prompt evaluation. Keeping a seizure diary, noting the time, duration, and any potential triggers or preceding events, could also provide valuable insight to your doctor. Remember, the upcoming appointment is a step in the right direction for getting to the root of the issue, so try not to let worry take too much hold until then.