It is not clear whether you can have a seizure from JUULing, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly researching the issue after receiving vaping seizure reports.

Does nicotine cause seizures?

Seizures are any sudden and uncontrolled electrical irregularity that occurs in the brain. Although most people associate seizure symptoms with shaking, these events can include a variety of movements, feelings, and even changes in behavior.

The most common cause of seizures is epilepsy – a chronic seizure condition. However, these events can also occur as a result of a high fever, head trauma, stroke, medications, brain tumors, drug or alcohol use, and more. A substance that may cause seizures is nicotine – the addictive chemical found in e-cigarettes.

Nicotine poisoning, which usually occurs when people swallow the fluid used in vapes, is reportedly associated with seizures. The high level of nicotine can lead to toxicity in the body, affecting the heart and central nervous system.

Healthline explains other symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, dehydration, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, hearing issues, vision changes, and more.

Seizures are a more serious side effect of nicotine poisoning, as is heart failure and even death. Younger people, such as children who get hold of a parent’s e-cigarette liquid, may be at a higher risk of dying.

Can you have a seizure from JUULing?

Regulators aren’t sure whether or not the reported seizures are caused by JUULing or using other vape products. However, the FDA has warned that seizures have been reported with vape usage.

In April 2019, the FDA released a safety announcement informing the public that seizures had been reported following the use of vape products. Between 2010 and 2019, there were reportedly 35 cases of vaping-related seizures. Although this is a relatively small number, the FDA wanted the public to be aware that it was investigating the issue.

Since the FDA investigation was revealed to the public, the number of seizures has reportedly increased to 127. A statement from the FDA on Aug. 7, 2019, praised the new reports and encouraged both patients and healthcare providers to continue reporting any related events.

All of these cases were reportedly preceded by e-cigarette usage, but this is where the similarities end. In some cases, the patients used other substances such as amphetamines or marijuana. Some only took a few puffs before having a seizure, while others used e-cigarettes for up to a day beforehand.

Unfortunately, the link between vaping and seizures is not well understood. The FDA will reportedly continue to investigate the issue and decide if further action is needed to protect consumers.

“We want to be clear that we don’t yet know if there’s a direct relationship between the use of e-cigarettes and a risk of seizure. We can’t yet say for certain that e-cigarettes are causing these seizures,” said then-FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb in a statement.

“We’re sharing this early information with the public because as a public health agency, it’s our job to communicate about potential safety concerns associated with the products we regulate that are under scientific investigation by the agency.”

According to the FDA, in addition to seizures, vaping may pose other neurological symptoms such as tremors or fainting, though it is not yet known if they are related to the alleged risk of seizure from Juuling.

No specific manufacturer was associated with the FDA announcement, but consumers may be concerned about having a seizure from JUULing due to the popularity of the brand. Based on these concerns, The Verge reached out for a statement regarding the issue.

“We are aware of their initial report that found 32 cases tied to vapor products over 10 years, some of which referenced JUUL products by the submitter,” a JUUL spokesperson said in an emailed statement reported The Verge. “While FDA has not reached out to us about this issue, we will vigilantly monitor for any evidence of potential safety issues and work cooperatively as we continue to combat youth usage and eliminate cigarettes, the number one cause of preventable death in the world.”

Nicotine poisoning is associated with seizures, causing scientists to theorize that e-cigarettes may deliver enough nicotine to cause them. Although it is nearly impossible to get nicotine poisoning by smoking traditional cigarettes, this may not be the case with vaping.

People who suffer a seizure from JUULing or other vape products are encouraged to report the incident to the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal. The FDA directs the public to include information about their use of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, other substances, other symptoms, products used preceding the seizure, other health effects, and more. This data will be used to further investigate vaping risks.

In encouraging the public to submit reports of the health effects of Juul use, the FDA notes that the investigation into the possible connection between e-cigarettes and seizures has not yet been substantiated. Submissions from the public can help the FDA identify risk factors and characteristics of the products that may pose a danger. 

Information that may be particularly helpful is whether or not a vape device was used in conjunction with other substances, or if the device itself was modified, potentially allowing other substances to enter the vape pen. 

Though the FDA is reportedly concerned about all vape products, unregulated devices may pose a particular risk. If a device is unregulated, or if a regulated device was altered, it may contain dangerous chemicals or a higher concentration than the user believes. These can increase the risk of health effects, explains NPR.

As the popularity of vapes has increased, so has the technology around them. These advances in technology may also pose their own danger. According to NPR, some high-wattage vape pens can deliver a powerful nicotine hit, while others may deliver a substance contaminated with heavy metals. 

While the FDA continues to investigate JUUL safety, the company has agreed to pay $40 million in a deal with North Carolina’s Attorney General. The settlement resolves claims that JUUL intentionally marketed its products to young consumers. Despite this deal, JUUL continues to fund pro-vaping trials to support its e-cigarettes. Other settlements include a $90 million settlement with investors and a $14.5 million settlement with Arizona’s Attorney General.

Join a Free JUUL E-Cigarette Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or your child suffered seizures after vaping with a JUUL e-cigarette, you may benefit from participating in a free JUUL class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented 
for informational purposes only.