Multiple sclerosis: Can it cause seizures?

Is there any connection between multiple sclerosis and epilepsy?

- Susan / Maryland

Mayo Clinic neurologist Jerry Swanson, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Epileptic seizures occur more frequently in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population. A 2003 overview of research indicates a seizure prevalence of 2.3 percent in adults with multiple sclerosis. In the general population (those who don't have MS), the seizure prevalence is approximately 0.4 percent to 0.8 percent.

The cause of seizures in people with multiple sclerosis isn't completely understood. Seizures most likely result from lesions present in the cerebral cortex and adjacent white matter of people with multiple sclerosis. However, other factors may also play a role — especially since such lesions are very common and seizures are unusual in MS.

Seizures have been observed before and presumably marking the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis, and during acute bouts of MS. In some cases, seizures appear to be the only sign of a flare of MS. But there isn't general acceptance of seizures as the first and only sign of MS.

Most seizures can be controlled with anti-seizure medication.