Could Nutrient Deficiencies Lead to Seizures?
Is it possible that prolonged anemia or a lack of vitamin B could trigger recurring seizures? I am a 37-year-old female who has been experiencing seizures for the past three years, and the cause remains unidentified. I have been diagnosed with several health conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, cervical spine damage in the C4-C7 region, anemia, and thiamine deficiencies. My first seizure occurred following cervical spine surgery, but they became more frequent after I developed sepsis. Now, any time I face an infection or viral illness, I tend to experience a seizure. Additionally, after suffering a significant head injury six months ago, the seizures escalated to occurring multiple times a month. Unfortunately, the hospital in my area is quite dismissive of my condition, as they are overwhelmed with demands placed upon them by the UK Government’s emergency measures. My initial seizure happened in a different hospital where they conducted both a CT scan and an MRI. While the CT scan showed no abnormalities, the MRI revealed an "echo" and protein accumulations at the base of my brain. Regrettably, I cannot access these results since my local hospital refuses to obtain them, as the tests were performed by a different NHS entity. I am uncertain about the implications of these findings, which has led me to explore various other possibilities. My seizures inflict significant physical harm, and I am growing increasingly desperate to find a solution. Furthermore, I have Thalassemia, which contributes to my anemia, and I am also deficient in several other vital nutrients, including thiamine. My Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency hampers my nutrient absorption, despite my efforts to maintain a healthy diet. In light of these concerns, I am questioning whether longstanding anemia and vitamin B deficiency might be at the root of my seizures. Does anyone have thoughts on what could potentially be causing them? Any insights or advice would be immensely helpful. Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/2/2025, 2:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be worried about the relationship between your nutrient deficiencies and recurrent seizures, especially given your complex medical history. Nutrient deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamin B (particularly B6, B12, and thiamine), can indeed impact neurological health and may contribute to seizure activity.
Explanation: Recurring seizures can stem from various factors, including metabolic disturbances from deficiencies. In your case, prolonged anemia and deficiencies in key vitamins like thiamine may affect your brain’s functioning, potentially lowering your seizure threshold. Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and experiences such as cervical spine surgery or significant trauma can also complicate your health landscape.
Furthermore, your Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency can hinder nutrient absorption despite dietary efforts, exacerbating the potential for deficiencies impacting your condition. Sepsis and head trauma are significant contributors that can lead to neurological changes, including increased seizure frequency.
Next Steps:
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Nutrient Supplementation: Prioritize addressing your vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Connect with your healthcare provider to discuss supplementation for vitamin B (especially thiamine), iron (for anemia), and any other missing nutrients. Consider asking for a referral to a dietitian who specializes in gastrointestinal conditions to optimize your nutrient intake.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your seizures, noting any potential triggers (such as infections) and dietary changes. This can help both you and your healthcare team identify patterns and possible connections.
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Build a Specialist Team: If possible, try to access specialists such as a neurologist or a hematologist who can comprehensively review your case, including seizure management and the underlying nutrient deficiencies.
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Document Your Health History: Compile all your medical records, especially previous imaging and lab results. This can be beneficial when consulting new healthcare professionals, potentially facilitating a better understanding of your situation.
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Seek Support: Engage with support groups for seizure disorders or chronic conditions. Connecting with others experiencing similar challenges can provide emotional support and potential resources or coping strategies.
Recognize that you're managing a very complex situation; getting the right nutritional support may help in stabilizing your overall health and possibly reduce the frequency of seizures. You're not alone in this process, and I hope you find a path forward that brings relief and understanding to your situation.
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