Specific Infections Associated with Epilepsy

 

Epilepsy is said to have an infectious cause if there is proof of a brain infection that leads to seizures. Infection is probably the most common cause of epilepsy worldwide, but is more common in the developing world.

  • Neurocysticercosis
  • Cerebral malaria
  • TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, other agents, rubella/German measles, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex)- typically acquired during pregnancy and present in very early life with seizures, growth and developmental delay, small head size, cataracts or visual problems, rash and enlargement of the liver
  • Bacterial meningitis- may cause seizures during the initial presentation however, seizures often do not persist after it is successfully treated
  • Viral encephalitis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Authored By:

Judy Gretsch

on Sunday, April 26, 2020

Reviewed By:

Elaine Wirrell MD

on Thursday, June 16, 2022

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