The Brain-Immune Conversation: What It Means for Epilepsy
When we think about epilepsy, we usually focus on the brain. But the brain doesn't work alone. Your nervous system and immune system are constantly communicating, and what affects one can influence the other. Emerging research suggests that inflammation, infections, and immune responses can all play a role in seizure activity and, in some cases, the development of epilepsy.
๐ง How Infections Can Affect the Brain
A quick biology lessonโฆ
When a virus, bacteria, or parasite enters the body, your immune system releases chemicals to fight it. If the infection reaches the brain (or triggers significant inflammation) those same immune signals can make brain cells (neurons) more excitable.
Normally, the brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which acts like a security filter. During some infections, this barrier can become โleakyโ, allowing immune cells and inflammatory proteins to enter the brain. This can increase inflammation, disrupt normal brain signalling, and lower the seizure threshold, making seizures more likely.
If inflammation is severe or long-lasting, it may even cause lasting changes to brain circuits that contribute to epilepsy.
๐คViruses Linked to Epilepsy
Several viral infections have been associated with an increased risk of seizures, including influenza (flu) and herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Influenza: During the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, doctors reported increased seizures in both children and adults. Researchers believe the immune response (not necessarily the virus itself) may temporarily increase inflammation in the brain and affect how neurons communicate.
๐ฌ Influenza-associated seizures in healthy adults: Report of 3 cases - PMC
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): HSV can occasionally cause a serious brain infection called herpes encephalitis. This condition often affects the temporal lobe, causes inflammation, and can trigger seizures. In some people, the resulting brain injury may increase the risk of developing epilepsy later on.
๐ชฑParasites Linked to Epilepsy
Neurocysticercosis: Another condition worth mentioning is neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the brain that is one of the leading causes of epilepsy in many developing countries. It highlights just how closely infection and seizures can be linked.
๐ฌ 20043_004.pdf
๐ฆ Bacterial Infections Linked to Epilepsy
Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus and tuberculosis can also increase seizure risk. Much of the damage is driven by inflammation, which can:
Injure brain tissue
Disrupt the blood-brain barrier
Alter the balance between excitatory and inhibitory brain signals
Leave behind scar tissue that makes future seizures more likely
Researchers also believe seizures themselves can fuel further inflammation, creating a cycle where inflammation increases seizures, and seizures increase inflammation.
๐ฌ Infections, inflammation and epilepsy - PMC
๐ Can Antibiotics Trigger Seizures?
A question I frequently receive from clients is whether long-term antibiotic use may be linked to the onset of epilepsy.
For most people, antibiotics do not cause epilepsy. However, some antibiotics can lower the seizure threshold, particularly in people with active epilepsy or other neurological conditions.
Certain antibiotics may interfere with GABA, the brain's main calming neurotransmitter. Think of GABA as the brain's natural brake pedal. If that brake becomes weaker, neurons can become overactive, making seizures more likely.
The risk is highest in people who have kidney disease, existing epilepsy, previous brain injury, or who are taking high doses of certain antibiotics. Some antibiotics can also interact with anti-seizure medications, so it's always worth discussing new prescriptions with your healthcare provider.
๐ก๏ธSupporting Your Immune System
While you can't avoid every infection, you can support your immune system and help keep inflammation under control with simple daily habits.
๐ฅ Eat plenty of immune-supporting foods:
Colourful fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene
Garlic, ginger, turmeric, oregano
Green tea
Echinacea & Elderberry
2. ๐ฅฃ Support your gut health:Enjoy fermented foods such as live yoghurt, kefir, or kimchi, as much of the immune system is closely connected to the gut. In fact, approximately 70%-80% of your body's immune system is located in your gut.
3. ๐งPrioritise healthy habits:
Get enough quality sleep ~ Minimum 7 hours
Exercise regularly ~ Even brisk walking can help
Manage stress ~ Stress is the BIGGEST immune suppressant
Limit alcohol ~ You shouldnโt really be having any anyway ๐
โ ๏ธSpeak to your healthcare professional or trained herbalist before taking herbal supplements, especially if you take anti-seizure medication, as some herbs can interact with medicines.
๐The Takeaway
Your body isn't made up of separate systems working independently. EVERYTHING is connected! The health of your immune system can influence inflammation in the brain, which may affect seizure control for some people.
This doesn't mean you need to live in fear of every virus or become obsessed with avoiding germs. Instead, focus on giving your body the tools it needs: nutritious food, good sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Supporting your immune system won't cure epilepsy, but it may help reduce inflammation and contribute to better overall brain health and seizure management.
๐Enjoyed this article?
This is just one of several blogs exploring the latest science behind nutrition and epilepsy.
Be sure to check out my other articles on vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that researchers are investigating for their potential to support brain health and seizure management. Together, we'll separate the myths from the science and explore what the evidence really says.
Reference Links:
๐Connection and communication between the nervous and immune systems | Nature Reviews Immunology
๐Virus-Induced Epilepsy vs. Epilepsy Patients Acquiring Viral Infection: Unravelling the Complex Relationship for Precision Treatment
๐https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9125338/
๐How to Boost Your Immune System: Top 26 Boosters - Dr. Axe