Straining during a bowel movement can lead to a seizure in some individuals, though this is rare. The physiological changes during intense straining can create conditions that make a seizure more likely for susceptible individuals. This involves bodily responses affecting blood flow and pressure to the brain.
How Straining Affects the Body
Straining to pass stool often involves a maneuver known as the Valsalva maneuver. This action occurs when someone attempts to exhale forcefully against a closed airway, similar to bearing down. During this process, pressure within the chest and abdomen increases significantly.
This pressure increase temporarily reduces blood returning to the heart, causing a brief drop in blood pressure and heart rate. After releasing the strain, the body compensates with a rapid increase in both. This fluctuation in blood flow, especially the temporary reduction of blood and oxygen to the brain (cerebral hypoperfusion), can trigger a brief loss of consciousness or, in some cases, a seizure.
Conditions That Increase Risk
Certain underlying medical conditions or circumstances can lower an individual’s seizure threshold, making them more vulnerable to an event triggered by straining. People with pre-existing seizure disorders or epilepsy are inherently more susceptible to seizures. Conditions that affect blood pressure regulation, such as autonomic dysfunction, can also contribute to this risk.
Other factors can transiently lower the seizure threshold or increase vulnerability to reduced brain blood flow. These include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances like sodium, and certain medications affecting blood pressure or brain activity. For instance, some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and opioids can lower the seizure threshold. Straining can also trigger reflex anoxic seizures or vasovagal syncope, which involve temporary interruption of the brain’s oxygen supply and may appear as seizure-like movements.
Responding to a Seizure
Recognizing and responding appropriately to a seizure is important. Seizure manifestations include loss of consciousness, stiffening, or jerking movements. If someone experiences a seizure, stay calm and ensure safety by removing any nearby objects that could cause injury.
Place something soft under their head, such as a jacket or cushion, and loosen any tight clothing around their neck to aid breathing. Do not attempt to restrain them or place anything in their mouth. Gently roll the person onto their side after the convulsions stop to help keep their airway clear. Time the seizure from start to finish.
Seek immediate medical attention if it is the person’s first seizure, if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if they have multiple seizures without regaining full consciousness, or if they have difficulty breathing or are injured. Consulting a doctor about persistent straining or constipation issues can also help address the root cause and potentially prevent future incidents.