Concussions and Post-Traumatic Epilepsy: Understanding the Sleep–Seizure Connection

Discover how CSMA helps detect and manage post-traumatic epilepsy.

A blow to the head may seem like a brief event, but for many patients, the aftermath is far more complex. Concussions can leave behind more than just temporary symptoms—they may trigger a cascade of neurological changes, including post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and sleep disturbances.

At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), we specialize in understanding this intricate connection—and helping patients in Houston and Austin manage it effectively.

In this blog, we’ll explore the link between concussions, seizures, and sleep, and how recognizing the signs early can lead to better outcomes.

Concussions: More Than Just a Bump

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), often caused by a fall, accident, sports injury, or sudden jolt. While many concussions are typically labeled “mild,” their effects on the brain can be anything but.

An estimated 1.7 million to 3 million people in the United States sustain a concussion each year, with sports and recreation being a significant contributor, accounting for 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes annually, according to the Brain Injury Research Institute. It's important to note that many concussions, possibly as many as 50%, go unreported or undetected. 

While many people recover within days or weeks, some individuals develop long-term symptoms—including sleep disruption, mood changes, and, in rare but serious cases, seizure disorders.

What Is Post-Traumatic Epilepsy?

Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) refers to a seizure disorder that develops as a direct result of brain trauma—such as a concussion. These seizures don’t always happen right away. In fact, they may surface weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury.

Key facts about PTE:

• It accounts for 10–20% of symptomatic epilepsy cases.

• The risk is higher with more severe brain injuries, but even mild TBIs can result in seizures.

• Symptoms include uncontrolled movements, confusion, loss of awareness, and temporary cognitive disturbances.

Unfortunately, PTEs are often underdiagnosed—especially when sleep disturbances cloud the picture.

How Sleep and Seizures Are Connected

The brain’s ability to regulate sleep and control electrical activity are closely intertwined. After a concussion, the brain may experience inflammation, disrupted neurotransmitter function, or altered brainwave patterns. These changes can affect both sleep and seizure thresholds.

Here's how sleep fits into the picture:

• Sleep deprivation lowers the brain’s seizure threshold, making seizures more likely.

• Seizures can occur during sleep, often without the patient knowing.

• Poor sleep worsens memory, mood, and cognition, compounding post-concussion symptoms.

• Disrupted sleep can mask the presence of seizures, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

In some cases, patients with undiagnosed PTE may think they’re dealing with insomnia, nightmares, or anxiety—when they’re actually experiencing nocturnal seizures.

Signs It Might Be More Than Just a Sleep Issue

If you or a loved one has experienced a head injury—recent or remote—and are noticing unusual symptoms, it's important to consider a deeper evaluation.

Symptoms that may indicate post-traumatic epilepsy or a related sleep disorder include:

• Waking up disoriented or confused

• Twitching, jerking, or bed-wetting during sleep

• Sudden fatigue or “zoning out” during the day

• Mood swings, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating

• Unexplained gaps in memory or awareness

How CSMA Helps Diagnose and Manage PTE and Sleep Disorders

At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, we take a collaborative approach to diagnosing and managing PTE and concussion-related sleep disorders. Our Houston and Austin clinics are equipped with advanced technology and expert providers who understand the delicate interplay between trauma, sleep, and seizure activity.

Here’s how we can help:

✅ Comprehensive Evaluations

We start by reviewing your complete health history, including concussion history, sleep patterns, and any seizure-like activity.

✅ EEG and Sleep Studies

Our in-lab testing can monitor your brainwaves during sleep to detect abnormalities, nocturnal seizures, or breathing-related sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

✅ Custom Treatment Plans

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include anti-seizure medications, behavioral sleep therapy, lifestyle modifications, or sleep apnea treatment (such as CPAP therapy).

✅ Ongoing Support

PTE and sleep-related conditions require regular follow-up. We offer continued care, education, and adjustments to ensure long-term improvement.

Don’t Let a Concussion Derail Your Rest—or Your Life

Sleep is essential for brain recovery, emotional regulation, and cognitive health. If you've had a concussion and are struggling with sleep—or suspect something more serious like seizures—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At CSMA, our experienced team is here to help uncover the root cause and guide you toward effective treatment.

📍Schedule an appointment today at our Houston or Austin location and take the next step toward better sleep, better health, and peace of mind.