From Impact to Aftermath: How Concussions Can Trigger Seizures

Understanding post-traumatic epilepsy and the critical role of sleep in recovery

We often associate concussions with short-term symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory lapses. But for some patients, the impact can set off a longer-lasting and more serious complication: seizures.

This lesser-known outcome is called post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE)—a seizure disorder that can develop weeks, months, or even years after a head injury.

At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), we’re working to raise awareness about the connection between concussions and epilepsy—and how sleep plays a critical role in both triggering and managing seizures.

How Concussions Can Lead to Epilepsy

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and even a “mild” one can disrupt brain function. In some cases, damage from a concussion can lead to scar tissue or altered brain signaling that increases the risk of spontaneous seizures. This neurological state—where brain cells become overly reactive—is referred to as neuronal hyperexcitability.

The risk of developing post-traumatic epilepsy increases with:

• Repeated head injuries

• Loss of consciousness during the injury

• Skull fractures or brain bleeding

• A family or personal history of seizures

But even without these risk factors, it’s important to watch for emerging symptoms—especially in the months following a concussion.

Sleep’s Role in the Seizure Cycle

Sleep is not just rest—it’s recovery. And when sleep is poor, erratic, or disrupted, the brain becomes more vulnerable.

In fact, sleep deprivation is one of the most common seizure triggers, even for people without an epilepsy diagnosis. After a head injury, the brain craves stability, and disrupted sleep can make it harder for the nervous system to heal and reset.

What’s worse? Seizures themselves can further fragment sleep, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

That’s why post-concussion sleep disturbances—such as insomnia, hypersomnia, or parasomnias—should never be ignored.

Monitoring and Diagnosis

When persistent sleep issues or neurological symptoms follow a concussion, early testing is key.

At CSMA, we use:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) to monitor brainwave activity for signs of seizures

• Polysomnography (overnight sleep studies) to detect abnormal movements, awakenings, or potential seizure activity during sleep

If you or someone you love has experienced a head injury and is now dealing with sleep changes, mood shifts, or unexplained fatigue—it may be time to evaluate for an underlying seizure disorder.

Managing Risk Through Sleep

While not every concussion leads to epilepsy, supporting healthy sleep after a head injury is one of the most powerful ways to reduce risk and promote recovery.

This may include:

• Creating consistent sleep and wake routines

• Treating insomnia or sleep apnea, if present

• Incorporating stress-reduction strategies

• Working with a sleep specialist to optimize rest

• Coordinating with neurologists for medication management if seizures occur

At CSMA, we take a collaborative approach to care—because when brain and sleep health work together, healing becomes possible.

Receive Post-Concussion Sleep Support and Treatment

A concussion may happen in an instant, but its effects can linger long after the bruises fade. From post-traumatic epilepsy to chronic sleep disruption, head trauma can have a long tail—especially when left unmonitored.

If you’re navigating post-concussion symptoms, don’t overlook sleep. It may be the missing link in both diagnosis and recovery.

📞 Schedule a consultation with the experts at CSMA today and learn how sleep testing can support your long-term brain health.