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[Start New Search](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library.html) [ABOUT](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/n/nocturnal-seizures.html#what-is-disease) [DIAGNOSIS](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/n/nocturnal-seizures.html#how-diagnosed) [TREATMENT](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/n/nocturnal-seizures.html#treatment) ## Overview An epileptic seizure is caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain. This usually causes to muscles of the body to tighten or weaken temporarily. Nocturnal seizures happen when a person is sleeping. They are most common: - Right after falling asleep - Just before waking up - Soon after waking up Any seizure can occur during sleep. However, there are certain seizure conditions that are more likely to experience nocturnal seizures, including: - Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy - Awakening tonic-clonic (grand mal) - Benign Rolandic - Landau-Kleffner syndrome - Frontal Lobe Epilepsy ## Symptoms Nocturnal seizures are often unnoticed because the patient is asleep when they happen. However, there are signs that may suggest the patient's is experiencing these seizures, including: - Loss of bladder control - Biting their tongue If the patient notices these symptoms of interrupted sleep they should talk to their doctor: - Difficulty concentrating - Awaking suddenly for an unknown reason - Feeling drowsy - Increase in daytime seizures triggered by a lack of sleep Involuntary muscle movement linked to seizures can include: - Stiff arms - Stiff legs - Jerking body movements **Causes and Risk Factors** The cause of seizures is often unknown. However, there are certain seizure conditions that are more likely to experience nocturnal seizures, including: - Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy - Awakening tonic-clonic (grand mal) - Benign Rolandic - Landau-Kleffner syndrome - Frontal Lobe Epilepsy Seizures can be linked to: - Unusual brain development - Stroke - Serious head injury - Brain tumor - Brain infection (meningitis or encephalitis) - Reduced oxygen to the brain ## Diagnosis The most useful way to diagnose the type of seizure is an electroencephalogram (EEG). This records electrical activity in the brain. The EEG can record unusual spikes or waves in electrical activity patterns. Different types of seizures can be identified with these patterns. When a patient is experiencing nocturnal seizures, a sleep study is often needed to diagnose the condition. The sleep study will require the patient to stay overnight at the hospital where their brain activity can be monitored during their sleep. [Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/imaging-center/exams/mri/general.html) and [computed tomography (CT)](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/imaging-center/exams/ct-scans/general.html) scans may be used to look at where the seizures are happening in the brain. The scans can show scar tissue, tumors or structural problems in the brain. ## Treatment For many patients, correct treatment can lower or prevent seizures. In some cases, patients may not have any more seizures for the rest of their life. Treatment is based on: - The type of seizure - Any underlying conditions - How often seizures happen - How severe the seizures are - The patient's age - The patient's overall health - The patient's medical history Anti-seizure (or anti-epileptic) medications can be very helpful. It may take a few tries to get the right medicine and dose. The doctor will watch for side effects to find the best treatment. Surgery may be an option if medication can't control the seizures. A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is sometimes implanted and used with anti-epileptic medication to lower seizures. The VNS is a tool placed under the skin of the chest. It sends electrical energy through the vagus nerve into the neck and up to the brain. Certain lifestyle changes may also be used: - Special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (ketogenic diet) - Getting plenty of sleep - Avoiding certain triggers, such as lack of sleep The staff at the Cedars-Sinai Epilepsy Program will work with each patient to determine the best treatment option. ## © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? [Start New Search](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library.html) Looking for a Physician? Choose a doctor and schedule an appointment. 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## Nocturnal Seizures Not what you're looking for? ## Overview An epileptic seizure is caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain. This usually causes to muscles of the body to tighten or weaken temporarily. Nocturnal seizures happen when a person is sleeping. They are most common: - Right after falling asleep - Just before waking up - Soon after waking up Any seizure can occur during sleep. However, there are certain seizure conditions that are more likely to experience nocturnal seizures, including: - Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy - Awakening tonic-clonic (grand mal) - Benign Rolandic - Landau-Kleffner syndrome - Frontal Lobe Epilepsy ## Symptoms Nocturnal seizures are often unnoticed because the patient is asleep when they happen. However, there are signs that may suggest the patient's is experiencing these seizures, including: - Loss of bladder control - Biting their tongue If the patient notices these symptoms of interrupted sleep they should talk to their doctor: - Difficulty concentrating - Awaking suddenly for an unknown reason - Feeling drowsy - Increase in daytime seizures triggered by a lack of sleep Involuntary muscle movement linked to seizures can include: - Stiff arms - Stiff legs - Jerking body movements **Causes and Risk Factors** The cause of seizures is often unknown. However, there are certain seizure conditions that are more likely to experience nocturnal seizures, including: - Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy - Awakening tonic-clonic (grand mal) - Benign Rolandic - Landau-Kleffner syndrome - Frontal Lobe Epilepsy Seizures can be linked to: - Unusual brain development - Stroke - Serious head injury - Brain tumor - Brain infection (meningitis or encephalitis) - Reduced oxygen to the brain ## Diagnosis The most useful way to diagnose the type of seizure is an electroencephalogram (EEG). This records electrical activity in the brain. The EEG can record unusual spikes or waves in electrical activity patterns. Different types of seizures can be identified with these patterns. When a patient is experiencing nocturnal seizures, a sleep study is often needed to diagnose the condition. The sleep study will require the patient to stay overnight at the hospital where their brain activity can be monitored during their sleep. [Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/imaging-center/exams/mri/general.html) and [computed tomography (CT)](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/imaging-center/exams/ct-scans/general.html) scans may be used to look at where the seizures are happening in the brain. The scans can show scar tissue, tumors or structural problems in the brain. ## Treatment For many patients, correct treatment can lower or prevent seizures. In some cases, patients may not have any more seizures for the rest of their life. Treatment is based on: - The type of seizure - Any underlying conditions - How often seizures happen - How severe the seizures are - The patient's age - The patient's overall health - The patient's medical history Anti-seizure (or anti-epileptic) medications can be very helpful. It may take a few tries to get the right medicine and dose. The doctor will watch for side effects to find the best treatment. Surgery may be an option if medication can't control the seizures. A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is sometimes implanted and used with anti-epileptic medication to lower seizures. The VNS is a tool placed under the skin of the chest. It sends electrical energy through the vagus nerve into the neck and up to the brain. Certain lifestyle changes may also be used: - Special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (ketogenic diet) - Getting plenty of sleep - Avoiding certain triggers, such as lack of sleep The staff at the Cedars-Sinai Epilepsy Program will work with each patient to determine the best treatment option. © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for?