High Blood Pressure's Connection to Seizures - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention

The Connection Between High Blood Pressure and Seizures

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has been associated with an increased risk of seizures. Understanding how high blood pressure affects seizure activity and the relationship between these two conditions is important for management and treatment.

Overview of High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries. Hypertension is defined as having a blood pressure consistently higher than 120/80 mmHg.

When blood pressure rises, it starts creating damage to blood vessels and organs like the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. This damage accumulates over time and causes health complications.

Often called the "silent killer", high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms in earlier stages. As it progresses untreated, headaches, vision changes, dizziness, chest pain and breathing issues can occur.

Overview of Seizures

A seizure occurs when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain causing a temporary disruption in how brain cells communicate. This results in a change in sensation, behavior or consciousness.

There are many types of seizures with different causes. Epilepsy is one of the most common reasons, accounting for over 3 million American cases. Many other health conditions can also trigger seizure activity.

High Blood Pressure Effects on the Brain

Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages blood vessels in the brain and affects autoregulation which controls cerebral blood flow. This damage can make the brain more susceptible to seizures through several mechanisms:

• Impaired blood brain barrier allowing substances to cross into the brain that alter nerve signaling
• Ischemia from ruptured blood vessels or vascular spasms reducing oxygen to brain tissue
• Cerebral edema causing excess fluid in the brain disrupting cellular functioning
• Hemorrhages that press on brain matter

These changes make nerve cells in the brain abnormally fire together resulting in seizure activity.

Link Between High Blood Pressure and Seizures

Several key research studies have found associations between hypertension and seizures:

• A meta-analysis of 17 studies with over 200,000 participants found high blood pressure increased the risk of developing epilepsy later in life.
• An NIH-funded study on stroke risk factors identified untreated hypertension as independently elevating seizure risk.
• Multiple studies show an increased prevalence of hypertension in those with new-onset seizures not related to epilepsy.

While more research is still needed, the evidence demonstrates untreated high blood pressure can be a contributor to otherwise unexplained seizures in some patients.

Types of Seizures Linked to High Blood Pressure

Hypertension has been associated with various types of seizure disorders:

Eclampsia Seizures

Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia during pregnancy characterized by elevated blood pressure, protein in the urine and fluid retention. Uncontrolled, these can progress to eclamptic seizures.

High blood pressure damages the blood brain barrier allowing substances into brain tissue that initiate seizure activity. Prompt treatment of hypertension is vital to prevent eclamptic seizures and associated complications.

Hypertensive Encephalopathy

Extremely high blood pressure can cause hypertensive encephalopathy - brain dysfunction from small vessel swelling and damage. This causes headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and seizures.

It requires immediate blood pressure reduction to stop ongoing brain injury. Seizures due to hypertensive encephalopathy are more common in acute spikes in blood pressure.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)

PRES is a rare condition often related to high blood pressure in which seizures are triggered by fluid buildup and swelling in the brain. Areas of the brain impacted control vision and coordination.

Most patients have recently developed severely elevated blood pressure or have long-standing chronic hypertension. Promptly lowering blood pressure can reverse symptoms.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) refers to bleeding into the space surrounding the brain. Uncontrolled hypertension is a major risk factor for a ruptured aneurysm or AVM causing a SAH.

Bleeding near the brains electrical circuits can initiate seizure activity. Seizures occur in 4-26% of SAH cases depending on amount of bleeding and location.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding directly into the brain tissue, often from long term hypertension eroding smaller penetrating arteries. The blood causes local tissue damage and pressure on the brain.

About 28-31% of people with an intracerebral hemorrhage experience early seizure activity triggered by these acute changes. Seizures increase risk of poor outcomes.

Warning Signs and Preventative Care

As hypertension poses substantial risks of provoking seizure disorders, proactive prevention and prompt treatment at the first signs of trouble are essential.

Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure

Many people are unaware their blood pressure is creeping upward. Warning signs indicating a need for screening and treatment include:

• Headaches that do not improve with over-the-counter medication
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath with exertion or exercise
• Facial flushing
• Vision changes
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears

A single elevated reading does not mean you have hypertension. However, consistent readings over 120/80 mmHg signal its time to make lifestyle changes and talk to your doctor.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

Prevention is the best approach. Strategies to maintain normal blood pressure include:

• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and fiber
• Reducing sodium intake
• Increasing potassium consumption
• Restricting alcohol
• Staying physically active
• Losing excess weight
• Not smoking
• Learning stress reduction techniques

Prevention allows you to avoid medications and reduces future complications like seizure disorders.

Achieving Blood Pressure Control

Treatment targets lowering blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg or at least below 140/90 mmHg. Steps include:

• Starting blood pressure medications - diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, etc.
• Making lifestyle changes like altering diet, activity levels, sleep habits and more
• Closely monitoring blood pressure
• Retesting cholesterol and blood glucose
• Considering counseling for stress management

Sticking to your treatment regimen is vital for reducing seizure triggers and risks.

Seizure First Aid and Emergency Care

While well-controlled blood pressure aims to prevent seizures, it is still important to know what to do if someone has a seizure:

Seizure First Aid

• Remain calm - most seizures end on their own
• Protect the person from injury by moving furniture or other objects
• Carefully roll them on their side to keep the airway open
• Cushion their head
• Loosen any tight clothing
• Never put anything in their mouth or restrain them
• Note details of the seizure like duration and symptoms

Speak gently, offer reassurance and stay until the seizure ends naturally.

Emergency Care Needs

Call 911 if:

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.