Seizure Disorders Blood Test

What is Seizure Disorders?

Seizure disorders are neurological conditions characterized by recurrent, unprovoked electrical disturbances in the brain that cause abnormal movements, behaviors, or loss of consciousness. They are caused by excessive or abnormal electrical activity in the brain, often triggered by medications like tramadol, metabolic imbalances, or underlying brain abnormalities. The Tramadol and Metabolite, Serum/Plasma test is the most important test for monitoring seizure risk in individuals taking pain medications, as both acute high levels and chronic tramadol use significantly increase seizure episodes.

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What causes seizure disorders?

Seizure disorders are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain that disrupts normal nerve cell communication. This electrical disturbance can result from genetic factors, brain injuries, infections like meningitis or encephalitis, stroke, brain tumors, or certain medications that lower the seizure threshold. Tramadol, a commonly prescribed pain medication, is a significant medication-related cause because both acute overdose and chronic use increase the risk of seizures by affecting neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Other contributing factors include alcohol or drug withdrawal, sleep deprivation, metabolic imbalances like low blood sugar or sodium levels, and flashing lights in people with photosensitive epilepsy.

What is the best test for seizure disorders?

The Tramadol and Metabolite, Serum/Plasma test is the most important blood test for individuals with seizure disorders who take pain medications, because it measures tramadol levels that can significantly trigger seizure episodes. Both high acute tramadol levels and chronic use dramatically increase seizure risk, especially in people with existing seizure disorders or those taking other medications that lower the seizure threshold like antidepressants or antipsychotics. While an EEG (electroencephalogram) remains the gold standard for diagnosing seizure activity by recording brain waves, blood testing for medication levels helps prevent medication-induced seizures. Additional blood work may include checking antiepileptic drug levels like phenytoin or valproic acid to ensure therapeutic dosing, as well as metabolic panels to identify triggers like electrolyte imbalances or blood sugar abnormalities.

When should I get tested for seizure disorders?

You should get tested if you take tramadol or other pain medications and have a history of seizures, as monitoring drug levels prevents dangerous spikes that trigger episodes. Testing is essential if you experience warning signs like unexplained muscle twitching, temporary confusion, staring spells, sudden falls, or brief periods of unresponsiveness. You should also get tested if you are prescribed new medications that might interact with your current seizure medications, if your seizures become more frequent despite treatment, or if you experience side effects suggesting medication levels are too high or too low. Anyone taking multiple medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as combining tramadol with antidepressants or undergoing dose adjustments, should have regular blood work to maintain safe therapeutic levels.

What are the symptoms of seizure disorders?
Symptoms of seizure disorders vary depending on the type of seizure but commonly include temporary confusion or disorientation, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness or awareness, and staring spells where the person appears disconnected from their surroundings. You might experience an aura before a seizure, which can feel like a strange smell, visual disturbances, intense emotions, or a rising sensation in your stomach. Other symptoms include muscle stiffness, sudden falling without apparent reason, rapid eye blinking, lip smacking or chewing movements, and temporary inability to speak or respond. After a seizure, many people feel exhausted, confused, have a headache, or cannot remember what happened during the episode.
Who is at risk for seizure disorders?
People at highest risk for seizure disorders include those with a family history of epilepsy, individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or strokes, and anyone with brain infections like meningitis or encephalitis. Taking medications that lower the seizure threshold significantly increases risk, particularly tramadol, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and stimulants. Children with high fevers, people who abuse alcohol or drugs, and those undergoing withdrawal from these substances face elevated seizure risk. Additional risk factors include developmental disorders like autism, brain tumors or abnormalities, sleep deprivation, severe head injuries, and metabolic conditions that affect electrolyte balance. Older adults are also at increased risk due to stroke, dementia, and multiple medications that may interact.
What happens if seizure disorders are left untreated?
Untreated seizure disorders can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), which occurs when someone with uncontrolled seizures dies suddenly without a clear cause. Repeated seizures can cause progressive brain damage, permanent cognitive impairment, memory problems, and difficulty with learning and concentration. You face increased risk of serious injuries from falls during seizures, including head trauma, broken bones, burns, and drowning if seizures occur while bathing or swimming. Uncontrolled seizures often result in social isolation, inability to drive, difficulty maintaining employment, and severe psychological impacts including depression and anxiety. Status epilepticus, a seizure lasting more than five minutes or repeated seizures without recovery time, is a medical emergency that can cause permanent brain damage or death without immediate treatment.
Can seizure disorders be diagnosed with a blood test?
Seizure disorders cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone, as diagnosis requires clinical observation, medical history, and neurological evaluation including an EEG to record brain electrical activity. However, blood tests play a crucial supporting role by identifying potential seizure triggers, monitoring antiepileptic medication levels to ensure therapeutic dosing, and detecting dangerous levels of seizure-inducing drugs like tramadol. Blood work helps rule out other causes of seizure-like symptoms such as low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances, infections, or metabolic disorders. For people already diagnosed with seizure disorders, regular blood testing is essential for managing treatment safely, checking for medication side effects like liver or kidney problems, and preventing drug interactions that could trigger breakthrough seizures.
How is a seizure disorder treated?
Seizure disorders are primarily treated with antiepileptic medications (anticonvulsants) such as levetiracetam, valproic acid, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or lamotrigine, which work by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Treatment begins with a single medication at the lowest effective dose, with regular blood tests to monitor drug levels and adjust dosing for optimal seizure control with minimal side effects. For medication-resistant epilepsy, treatment options include combining multiple anticonvulsants, surgical removal of the brain area causing seizures, vagus nerve stimulation using an implanted device, or dietary therapy like the ketogenic diet. Managing seizure triggers is equally important, which includes avoiding known triggers like tramadol and other seizure-threshold-lowering medications, maintaining regular sleep schedules, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and taking medications consistently. Your healthcare provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on seizure type, frequency, and underlying causes.
How can I prevent seizure disorders?
While you cannot prevent all seizure disorders, you can reduce your risk by preventing head injuries through wearing helmets during sports and seatbelts in vehicles, managing conditions that increase seizure risk like high blood pressure and diabetes, and avoiding medications known to lower the seizure threshold including tramadol without proper medical supervision. Pregnant women can reduce fetal seizure disorder risk by taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and managing infections promptly. If you already have a seizure disorder, prevention focuses on avoiding seizure triggers by taking medications consistently as prescribed, maintaining regular sleep schedules, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and avoiding flashing lights if you have photosensitive epilepsy. Staying hydrated, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, and keeping regular medical appointments for medication level monitoring also help prevent breakthrough seizures.
What can I do at home for seizure disorders?
At home, maintaining a consistent medication schedule is the most important action you can take to control seizures, and using pill organizers or phone reminders helps ensure you never miss a dose. Keep a detailed seizure diary tracking when seizures occur, potential triggers, duration, and symptoms to help your healthcare provider optimize treatment. Create a safe home environment by padding sharp furniture corners, using guards on heaters and fireplaces, showering instead of bathing, and avoiding activities where a sudden seizure could cause injury. Prioritize good sleep hygiene by maintaining regular sleep and wake times, as sleep deprivation is a common seizure trigger. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, and consider dietary supplements like vitamin B6, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids after discussing with your doctor, as some research suggests they may support brain health. Always wear a medical alert bracelet and educate family members on seizure first aid.
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If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Tramadol and Metabolite, Serum/Plasma
Google reviews 505 reviews
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What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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