Key takeaways
- Smoking, a catalyst for seizures: exploring connections.
- Seizure risks elevated among daily cigarette smokers.
- Data reveals smoking worsens and triggers epilepsy.
- Nerve damage accentuated by chemicals in smoke.
- Quitting cold turkey reduces seizures, benefits abound.
You probably already know what smoking can do to major organs like the lungs, heart, stomach, brain, and nervous system.
But did you know that cigarette smoke can also cause seizures, especially in middle-aged adults and older smokers?
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of epilepsy or seizures, quitting smoking could really help your body out.
Now, if you’re curious about the link between smoking and seizures, what might cause them, and more, let’s dive in.
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Can Smoking Cause Seizures: Looking at the Data
In Switzerland, a study published in the Journal of Neurology found that around 429 people with epilepsy, aged 16 and up, who smoked at least one cigarette a day had a higher risk of having seizures.
Another study showed that smokers with epilepsy are more likely to have seizure attacks than non-smokers with the same condition.
Both studies by different scientists and health experts show that smoking is a big factor in triggering and worsening seizures. So, if you have epilepsy, seizures, or other nerve and brain-related issues, quitting smoking can definitely save your life.
Possible Causes
While the data above focused on results from questionnaires and patient evaluations, they didn’t dive into how cigarette smoke chemicals actually affect the nervous system. So, let’s take a closer look at that.
Smoking’s Effect on Your Nerves
Smokers with physically demanding jobs, like lifting or rigging, are more likely to suffer nerve damage than non-smokers.
This happens because nerve damage can occur when you jump into heavy work without proper conditioning. Health experts suggest that cigarette smoke can make things worse by narrowing your blood vessels.
Epilepsy can develop at any age, especially in people who aren’t very active, and smoking can really aggravate those symptoms.
When your blood flow is restricted, your body, especially your nervous system, doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, which can lead to weaker nerves and a higher risk of damage.
The Dangerous Chemicals in Cigarette Smoke
We know that chemicals in cigarette smoke were never safe to consume to begin with. But, more on the specific side, the arsenic, ammonia, and acetone content of cigarette smoke can induce seizures.
Arsenic is a dangerous chemical that can cause skin lesions and increase the risk of cancer. On the other hand, ammonia can cause lung damage and possible severe preventable diseases when consumed. Lastly, acetone can cause menstrual changes in women and, if consumed in high dosages, induce a coma.
Can Quitting Smoking Cold Turkey Cause Seizures?
Quitting smoking has plenty of benefits, and if you quit smoking cold turkey while you’re on seizure medication, the benefits to your nervous system and reduction of incidents involving epilepsy and seizures can be significant.
However, we are sure that quitting smoking cold turkey is just the first step – not the solution – for managing your condition. We strongly suggest consulting a GP and having a friendly chat about how to manage your nicotine withdrawal and seizure-related symptoms as you try to quit smoking.
Can Secondhand Smoke Cause Seizures?
Most people are correct to assume that secondhand smoke can cause significant health issues to non-smokers, as it does to smokers themselves. It’s also right to assume that families with a history of epilepsy continuously inhaling secondhand smoke have a higher risk of developing seizures.
An indoor smoker will greatly harm their family, especially young children, with their habit. Pregnant women who smoke also put their unborn child at a higher risk of developing epilepsy.
The Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Undeniably, the best-case scenario for anyone experiening seizures is to quit smoking entirely.
Quitting smoking is a life-changing decision that significantly improves a motivated smoker’s physical and mental well-being. One notable advantage is the lower risk of seizures.
Let’s take a closer look below.
Lower Risk of Seizures
Given the data and possible reasons why smoking can cause seizures, it only goes to show that by quitting the habit, you’re doing yourself (and anyone else affected by the secondhand smoke) a great favour.
Healthier Body
From improved lung function to enhanced cardiovascular health, quitting contributes to a healthier body overall. The respiratory system begins to repair itself, leading to better oxygen circulation and increased energy levels.
Better oxygenation also leads to better nerve health. In one study, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to accelerate nerve recovery in patients with upper-body nerve damage.
While you don’t necessarily need this therapy, it illustrates how better respiratory health leads to helpful effects for your nervous system.
Excellent Focus and Motivation
Breaking free from nicotine addiction also has profound effects on cognitive functions. Quitting smoking is associated with increased focus, sharper memory, and heightened motivation. As the mind clears from the fog of addiction, motivated smokers often find themselves more engaged, productive, and able to tackle tasks with newfound vigour.
Can Relieve Anxiety and Depression
Smoking and mental health are closely intertwined, and quitting can positively impact emotional well-being. Research suggests that quitting smoking can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. As the body detoxifies from nicotine, you will experience a more stable and positive mood.
A Longer and Fuller Life
With reduced health risks, improved mental health, and increased overall well-being, people who quit smoking set themselves on a path to enjoy a richer and more fulfilling existence.
Summary
Based on data and the possible ways cigarette smoke can damage your body and your nervous system, anyone can assume that quitting smoking provides a huge trove of benefits to improving your nervous system’s condition and improving your overall health.
But we also understand that quitting smoking is a huge and difficult undertaking. However, that’s where we can help you in the best possible way.
Smokefree Clinic gives you access to many medically reviewed and trustworthy resources that can inform and aid you in your path to wellness, so have a look around!
If you’re ready to get started, Smokefree can connect you to Australian healthcare professionals who excel in helping patients quit smoking for good.
Link Reference
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3675806/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8234722/
- https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/news/study-finds-link-between-smoking-and-epilepsy
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30831400/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10328254/#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20tobacco%20smoke%20contains,in%20animal%20studies%20%5B23%5D.
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic#:~:text=Long%2Dterm%20exposure%20to%20arsenic,increased%20deaths%20in%20young%20adults.
- https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_general.htm#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20high%20concentrations%20of,and%20nose%20and%20throat%20irritation.
- https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/acetonefaq.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33682301/#:~:text=Compared%20with%20children%20who%20were,%25%20CI%201.45%2D1.92).
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35226113/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20This%20prospective%20study%20of,and%20electrophysiologically%20following%20nerve%20repair.