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Multiple sclerosis: Can it cause seizures?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/AN01811
- With Mayo Clinic neurologist
Istvan Pirko, M.D.
Definition (1)
- Demyelinating disease: What causes it?
Symptoms (1)
- Multiple sclerosis: Can it cause seizures?
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Acetyl-L-carnitine: Can it relieve MS fatigue?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Vitamin D and MS: Is there any connection?
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Question
Multiple sclerosis: Can it cause seizures?
Is there any connection between multiple sclerosis and epilepsy?
Answer
from Istvan Pirko, M.D.
Epileptic seizures appear to be three to six times more prevalent in those who have multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population (those who don't have MS).
The cause of seizures in people with multiple sclerosis isn't completely understood. In these individuals, seizures most likely result from lesions present in the cerebral cortex and adjacent white matter. However, other factors may play a role — especially since such lesions are very common and seizures are unusual in multiple sclerosis.
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 the majority of seizures occur unrelated to such relapses. Currently there isn't general acceptance of seizures as the first and only sign of MS.
Most seizures can be controlled with anti-seizure medication.
Next questionAcetyl-L-carnitine: Can it relieve MS fatigue?
- Koch M, et al. Seizures in multiple sclerosis. Epilepsia. 2008;49:948.
- Calabrese M, et al. Extensive cortical inflammation is associated with epilepsy in multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neurology. 2008;255:581.
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