Etiology of Seizure Disorders Common causes of seizures (see table Causes of Seizures) vary by age of onset: Before age 2: Fever, hereditary or congenital neurologic disorders, birth injuries, and inherited or acquired metabolic disorders Ages 2 to 14: Idiopathic seizure disorders Adults: Cerebral trauma, alcohol withdrawal, tumors, strokes, and an unknown cause (in 50%) Older people: Tumors and strokes In reflex epilepsy, a rare disorder, seizures are triggered predictably by an external stimulus, such as repetitive sounds, flashing lights, video games, music, or even touching certain parts of the body.