-min.jpeg)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections people experience. Almost half of women will have at least one UTI in their lives, and many men experience them too. UTIs come with a lot of different symptoms, but can a UTI cause a seizure? Let’s find out about the possible links between UTIs and epilepsy.
What is a UTI?
A UTI happens when bacteria enters the urethra and travels upward into the urinary tract (the tube from bladder to outside the body). If the bacteria spreads up this tube, it can get into your bladder or kidneys, and cause an infection.
UTIs can be serious, so it’s important to get them treated.
Symptoms of a UTI may include:
- Needing to urinate very urgently
- Needing to urinate more than usual
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong smell
- Blood in your urine
- Pain in your stomach or lower back
- A high temperature or a very low temperature
If you (or someone you care for) have symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to visit your doctor. They may treat the UTI with antibiotics and provide pain relievers.
The CDC says you can reduce your chances of getting a UTI by:.
- Staying well hydrated
- Urinating after sexual activity.
- Take showers rather than baths
- Avoid douching, sprays or powders in the genital area.
- Wipe front to back
- There is some evidence that drinking cranberry juice might make UTIs less likely for some people
Can UTIs cause seizures?
There is some evidence suggesting UTIs could factor into epilepsy. Here are a few ways this might happen:
- UTIs and febrile seizures in children
It is possible that UTIs may trigger febrile seizures in children (a febrile seizure is a non-epileptic seizure caused by high temperatures).One study found that among children who had febrile seizures, just over 15% also had a UTI.
- UTIs during pregnancy
Another study found that women who were treated for a UTI during pregnancy were slightly more likely to have children who developed epilepsy. There could be other reasons for this increased risk, and scientists are still working to understand it.
Related: Women and epilepsy - what you need to know
Links between UTIs, medication and seizures
Besides the UTI itself triggering seizures, it’s also important to be aware of how medication may interact with epilepsy and infections.
Most anti-seizure medication does not directly cause UTIs. Some research like phenytoin (PHT), primidone, carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproate (VPA) can alter urinary chemistry, which might indirectly increase UTI risk. If you notice you’ve started having more UTIs when taking these treatments, speak with your doctor.
UTIs and epilepsy
Get medical assistance as soon as you notice symptoms of a UTI. There is some evidence that UTIs can cause seizures- so it’s important to talk with your physician and pharmacist about this issue. If you have any doubts, talk to your treatment team for more advice.
