Can vaping cause seizures?

Did you know that 8% of people vape in the US? And using e-cigarettes is especially popular among high school students - in 2023, about 10% used them regularly.  

While vaping might be popular, it may come with certain health risks. If you have epilepsy, it’s important to be aware that some scientists say it is plausible that vaping could trigger seizures, but there isn’t enough evidence to be sure.

So, can vaping cause seizures? Let’s find out more about the possible links.

Can vaping cause seizures?

At present, scientists are unsure if vaping causes seizures, and more research is needed before we can draw conclusions. Currently, no robust, large-scale studies have established a causal relationship between vaping and seizures. Speak with your doctor about these issues.

In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that over the previous 10 years, there were 114 times where people reported they’d had seizures soon after vaping. After the FDA’s 2019 announcement, more members of the public contacted them. By 2021 there were more than 250 reports. This suggests vaping may be associated with seizures. However, more evidence would be needed to prove there’s a link.  

‍Lighting up: Can smoking cause seizures?

How might vape pens cause seizures?

There are some theories about how vaping might increase health risks for people with epilepsy:

• Nicotine overdose: Almost all vape pens contain the addictive drug nicotine which is also found in cigarettes. Sometimes, people might vape a capsule that contains a much higher dose of nicotine than they’re used to. There has been some preliminary research that shows nicotine can be a pro-convulsant and this might be causing people to have seizures.

• Other ingredients: The same experts also point out that people sometimes intentionally put other drugs in their e-cigarettes - including cannabis and cocaine - and these may be responsible for the seizures. E-cigarettes also contain other pro-convulsant chemicals such as glycerin that might be behind the vaping and seizures link.

Cup of coffee: Caffeine and seizures - overview

Can you vape if you have epilepsy?

Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon and researchers are still learning about all its health effects.  As this blog has shown, it may come with certain health risks for everyone, including people with epilepsy. 

If you currently vape - or are considering using e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking - talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and make a plan that works for you.