In a statement posted on its website, the FDA said that it knew of 35 cases between 2010 and 2019 in which seizures were reported after the use of e-cigarettes.
While acknowledging that the number of cases may seem low, the agency deemed it necessary to investigate if there was any correlation.
"We're sharing this early information with the public," read the statement,"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."
The 35 reported cases of seizures do not present enough evidence in themselves to determine whether e-cigarettes in general are the cause, and even if that turns out to be the case, the FDA must also determine if seizures are caused by a specific brand of e-cigarettes, or whether certain smoking habits contribute to the risk.
The FDA called on those who have experienced adverse effects from e-cigarettes, including seizures, to report the episode to the agency, so that it can gather information for further study.