Does vaping increase seizure risk?

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 3 mins read

Does vaping increase seizure risk?
Despite several restrictions, the vape has become a new hot accessory among the young generation of India, especially among affluent teens. It has grown popular as a new fantasy for bored, depressed, and experimental youngsters.

As vapes do not produce any smoke or odour, neither parents nor school or college authorities are aware of it. Over the past few years, several incidents have caught the attention where numerous teenagers were found with vaping products.

Though vapes are claimed to be less harmful than traditional tobacco products, a report indicates a link between vaping and seizure. Read on to discover this association and understand the risk for its consumers.

The link between vaping and seizure:
The vape or e-cigarette is an electronic or battery-operated device that heats a liquid to produce an aerosol containing nicotine, chemicals, and flavours (ranging from enticing fruity flavours to marijuana). It is an alternative to traditional cigarettes and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Some reports claim it helps quit smoking and reduces exposure to several carcinogenic substances that traditional cigarettes contain. However, this is not the complete truth. They are dangerous, too.

Doctors cleared that flavouring agents used in vapes or e-cigarettes can lead to lung injuries and the nicotine in it can stunt brain development. E-cigarettes even produce several dangerous chemicals like acetaldehyde, acrolein or formaldehyde.

Recently, the WHO (World Health Organisation) posted a tweet claiming an association between vaping and seizure. According to the post, vaping can raise the risk of seizure within 24 hours of doing it.

A small number of case studies show that vape consumers have reported seizures. Take the example of 2019’s FDA (Food and Drug Administration) report. The report summarises the data of the previous 10 years wherein 114 times people reported seizures soon after vaping.

Considering the result, the FDA knocked on some more doors in 2021. By this time, over 250 new reports had been added, suggesting that there might be many people experiencing it but they have not told the authorities.

However, some experts believe that there is no complete evidence to reach this conclusion.

Still, there could be some more explanations behind the link between seizure and vaping:

Overdose of nicotine: Taking an overdose of nicotine in vaping can excite the brain cells that might be causing some people to have seizures. However, some experts believe seizure is quite a rare reaction to nicotine poisoning.

Other drugs: Some people add additional chemicals like CBD and amphetamines to vapes. These chemicals may be responsible for the seizures.

Underlying seizure disorder: There could be chances that those who have reported seizures after vaping might already have underdiagnosed seizures. As nicotine triggers the brain cells, vaping can be a seizure trigger for them.

Though it’s not sure if vapes do cause seizures, it is recommended to people with epilepsy to avoid vaping. Not only them, but everyone should avoid it. Even if you are vaping to quit smoking, discuss with a doctor whether it will be the right option.