Can a Concussion Cause a Seizure?
A concussion is more than just a bump on the head. It is a mild brain injury that can affect how the brain works, sometimes in ways that are not obvious right away. While many people recover without long-term issues, some may experience unexpected problems that raise concern.
A concussion can cause a seizure, either immediately after the injury or months to years later. Trauma can disrupt the brain’s normal electrical activity, leading to a single seizure or, in some cases, a condition called post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE).
The risk is higher with more severe injuries, but even mild concussions can sometimes trigger this outcome. Symptoms after a head injury should not be ignored. Seizures may not appear right away, so knowing when they can happen, what signs to look for, and when to get help is important for long-term health.
Definition of Symptom
A symptom is any change in the body or mind that signals a possible health problem. It is what a person notices or feels, rather than what a doctor measures through tests. In the case of a concussion, symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, or even loss of consciousness. These signs show how the brain responds to injury after a sudden impact or jolt.
When seizures happen, symptoms may look very different. Some people have full-body shaking, while others may only have brief staring spells or unusual sensations. These differences often depend on whether the event is a generalized seizure or a focal seizure.
Common Seizure Symptoms
- Sudden jerking or stiffening of muscles
- Temporary confusion or blank staring
- Loss of awareness or memory during the event
- Tingling, visual changes, or odd smells before the episode
Brain activity can become disrupted after trauma, leading to abnormal electrical signals that may appear right after the injury or much later. Seizures can happen immediately, months, or even years after a concussion.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). While many concussions heal without long-term problems, some can trigger abnormal brain activity that leads to seizures. This risk increases when the injury involves more than just a mild impact.
- Head trauma that causes bleeding, brain swelling, or a skull fracture can disrupt normal brain signals. These changes may set the stage for a seizure shortly after the injury or even weeks later.
- Repeated head injuries can raise the chance of developing a seizure disorder. Over time, this can become post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), a long-term condition where seizures occur well after the initial trauma.
| Condition | Possible Link to Seizures |
|---|---|
| Mild TBI (Concussion) | Small risk, usually short-term |
| Moderate to Severe TBI | Higher risk due to brain tissue damage |
| Skull Fractures | Can increase risk if brain tissue is affected |
| Brain Swelling | May cause abnormal electrical activity |
| Post-Traumatic Epilepsy (PTE) | Long-term seizure disorder after head trauma |
Not everyone with a concussion will experience seizures. However, people with severe traumatic brain injuries or structural damage to the brain face a greater risk.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Not all seizures after a concussion come from disease. Certain non-disease factors can also raise the chance of a seizure. These factors often affect the brain’s normal activity without being linked to an illness.
- Sleep problems are a common trigger. Disrupted sleep or lack of rest can make the brain more sensitive, especially after a head injury. People who do not return to a regular sleep schedule may face a higher risk of seizure activity.
- Stress and fatigue also play a role. Mental or physical stress can strain the brain’s recovery process. Combined with a concussion, these conditions may increase seizure likelihood even when no disease is present.
- Substance use (alcohol or drugs) and sudden changes in routine may also increase the risk.
Doctors use tools such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or an MRI to check brain activity and structure.
- EEG records electrical signals in the brain and can show abnormal patterns linked to seizures.
- MRI helps detect structural changes that might raise seizure risk.
How It Causes the Symptom
A concussion disrupts how brain cells communicate. The rapid movement of the brain inside the skull can stretch or damage neurons, making nerve cells more likely to fire in abnormal patterns, which can trigger a seizure. Seizures after a concussion are often divided into two groups:
- Early Seizures: Occur within the first week after the injury.
- Late Seizures: Develop weeks, months, or even years later.
When seizures continue over time after a head injury, doctors call this post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). The brain changes linked to seizures may include:
| Cause | Effect on Brain | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding or bruising | Irritates brain tissue | Early seizure |
| Scar tissue formation | Disrupts normal signals | Post-traumatic epilepsy |
| Chemical imbalance | Increases excitability | Seizure risk |
Even a mild concussion can sometimes trigger a seizure, although the risk is lower than with severe trauma. A first seizure may occur within hours of the injury, but it can also be delayed. This delay happens when healing leaves behind scar tissue or changes in brain chemistry that continue to disrupt normal activity.
Possible Complications
A concussion can sometimes lead to seizures soon after the injury or months later. These seizures are considered complications of head trauma. In some cases, repeated episodes may progress into post-traumatic epilepsy. Other possible complications include:
- Ongoing headaches
- Problems with memory and focus
- Mood changes such as irritability or anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
When to Seek Medical Attention
After a concussion, watch for symptoms that may signal a more serious problem. Seizures can happen soon after the injury or even months later, so stay alert to warning signs. Seek immediate medical care if any of the following occurs:
- A seizure lasting more than a few minutes
- Repeated seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing or waking up
- Persistent vomiting or severe headache
Some signs may appear less dramatic but still need attention. These include sudden confusion, unusual jerking movements, or changes in vision or speech. If you notice any unexplained episode, tell a doctor. Parents should watch children closely. If a child becomes unusually drowsy, has trouble recognizing people, or cries repeatedly and cannot be soothed, take them for medical evaluation.
Athletes who return to play before fully recovering have a higher risk of further injury and complications. Experts say no athlete should resume activity on the same day as a concussion. Key red flags to act on quickly:
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Seizure with breathing problems | Call emergency services |
| Sudden loss of consciousness | Seek urgent care |
| Severe or worsening headache | Contact a doctor |
| Ongoing confusion or memory loss | Get medical evaluation |
