Infections

Brain infections can cause temporary or permanent seizure conditions by damaging the brain. Causes of brain infection include high fevers, heatstroke, AIDS, malaria, syphilis and encephalitis.Small children can experience febrile seizures if they have unusually high fevers of 102 F or above.

Metabolic Disorders

Imbalances in the body's chemistry and hormones can trigger seizures. Diabetics can have seizures if their blood sugar levels are either too high or too low. Lack of electrolytes such as calcium, potassium and magnesium can cause a seizure. Seizures can be an indicator of kidney or liver failure. Some hereditary disorders such as phenylketonuria or Tay-Sachs disease can disrupt the metabolic balance and cause seizures.

Oxygen Deprivation

Conditions where the brain becomes deprived of oxygen can result in a seizure. Drowning, suffocation and carbon monoxide poisoning are some common causes. Stroke, abnormal heart rhythm and arterial blockage can also result in low brain oxygen that may lead to a seizure.

Structural Damage

Birth defects and birth injuries can damage the brain and lead to seizures. Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, can press on the brain and cause seizures. Stroke or tumors, benign or malignant, can also pressure the brain. Head injuries and brain bleeding are also cause for concern relating to seizures.

Drugs

Both prescription and illegal drugs can cause seizures. Check prescription medicine side effects carefully for possible seizures. Some prescriptions with these known side effects include the antibiotics ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and imipenem. Anti-inflammatories, often used over a long term in organ transplants, include cyclosporin and indometacin. As always, if you have any concerns about your medications, check with your doctor. The illegal drugs known to cause seizures include amphetamines of all types and cocaine. Drug and alcohol withdrawal can led to seizures, as can withdrawing from overuse of sleep aids.