I am 35, male. Can stress trigger my seizure episodes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old man who experienced my first seizure three weeks ago while at work, where I apparently fell and had convulsions for about two minutes, according to my coworkers. Since then, I have been experiencing strange episodes where I smell burning rubber that is not actually present, followed by a feeling of intense fear and confusion.

My sleep has been poor lately due to work stress, and I have been drinking more coffee than usual to stay alert during long shifts. The emergency room doctor advised me to see a neurologist, but I am concerned about what this means for my job as a construction worker.

Could stress and lack of sleep have triggered these episodes, and am I at risk for more seizures?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Having a first seizure at the age of 35, especially with witnesses describing a two-minute convulsion followed by recurring episodes of smelling burning rubber with sudden fear and confusion, is concerning for possible epilepsy, particularly focal seizures that can sometimes generalize. While stress, lack of sleep, and excessive caffeine can lower the seizure threshold and make seizures more likely, they usually act as triggers in someone who already has an underlying brain predisposition rather than being the sole cause.

The symptoms you describe between the major events, such as the unusual smell and intense fear, are seizure auras, which are brief focal seizures themselves. This means there is a real risk of further seizures, and until you have a full neurological evaluation, including an EEG (electroencephalogram) and brain imaging such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), it is safest to assume recurrence is possible.

Given your work in construction, which involves heights, machinery, and potentially hazardous environments, it is critical to obtain a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan to protect both your safety and that of others.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.