Should you avoid caffeine if you have seizures?

Generally speaking, most people with epilepsy should be OK to drink coffee, tea, soda and other caffeinated drinks in small quantities without any serious risk of increasing the number of seizures they have.

Can drinking too much caffeine cause a seizure?

As caffeine is a stimulant, it can trigger seizures in some people. Even drinking large amounts of tea or coffee can give you more than the daily recommended amount of caffeine and this could trigger a seizure if you have already a lower seizure threshold.

Does caffeine lower seizure thresholds?

Experimental data indicate that caffeine may either lower the convulsive threshold in experimental models of epilepsy or induce seizure activity in doses over 400 mg/kg in rodents.

What diet has been effective in controlling seizures?

The “classic” ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps to control seizures in some people with epilepsy. It is prescribed by a physician and carefully monitored by a dietitian.

Is caffeine good for epilepsy?

In animal studies, caffeine decreased the antiepileptic potency of some drugs; this effect was strongest in topiramate. Conclusion: Preclinical studies suggest that caffeine increases seizure susceptibility. In some cases, chronic use of caffeine may protect against seizures.

How much caffeine is too much for epilepsy?

Moderate doses of caffeine may benefit patients with epilepsy, whereas high doses – four cups of coffee per day or more – may increase seizure susceptibility, said Julie Bourgeois-Vionnet, MD, of the department of functional neurology and epileptology at Hospices Civils de Lyon in France.

Can you drink energy drinks if you have epilepsy?

It has anticonvulsant effects, but it in some situations it may actually provoke seizures. And excessive consumption of energy drinks may bring about seizures in those who suffer from certain forms of epilepsy. This is caused by the “crash” that follows the energy high after consumption.

Does caffeine worsen epilepsy?

Caffeine can increase seizure susceptibility and protect from seizures, depending on the dose, administration type (chronic or acute), and the developmental stage at which caffeine exposure started. In animal studies, caffeine decreased the antiepileptic potency of some drugs; this effect was strongest in topiramate.

Does green tea affect epilepsy?

Seizures: Green tea contains caffeine. High doses of caffeine might cause seizures or decrease the effects of drugs used to prevent seizures. If you have ever had a seizure, don’t use high doses of caffeine or caffeine-containing products such as green tea.