How to Manage Seizures

Thousands of people suffer from seizures either regularly or intermittently over the years. It is important that persons who suffer from seizures follow a few basic steps that may halt the frequency of the episodes. There are people, especially older teens and young adults, who may not fully understand the seriousness of their neurological problem, and who may not follow certain guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's instructions
• Medicine (if prescribed)
• Knowledge of personal precursors to a seizure.
• An understanding of your condition
• Emergency numbers for family, friends and co-workers.

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Instructions

• 1

  Be patient with your physician as he gets you on the right medication. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and the Mayo Clinic, it takes time for the medication your physician prescribes to reach an effective and consistent level in the body.

• 2

  Try to go to bed at close to the same time every night. Sleep rests your brain as well as your body. Never stay up for prolonged periods of time: Sleep deprivation will increase your odds of having a seizure.

• 3

  Abstain from drinking any kind of alcohol at all. Alcohol alters your brain chemistry, which can cause you to have a seizure even if you are on medication.

• 4

  If you have a child with a seizure disorder, talk to your physician about a restricted eating plan (detogenic diet) that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders reports that some children respond to the diet.

• 5

  Always take your medication at the times prescribed by your physician, and never double up if you miss a dose.

• 6

  Try to keep your stress levels down. You might try to learn some relaxation techniques or yoga.

• 7

  Try to figure out any precursors that may lead up to your seizures. A study in the Neurology Journal suggests that some people may be able to anticipate a seizure as far as 24 hours in advance. Precursors could include sudden mood changes, headaches and bouts of extreme dizziness. If you can anticipate a seizure, you can be sure to be careful around machinery, avoid tall ladders, etc.

• 8

  If you know what your precursors are, call a family member, friend or co-worker and let him know, too. Try to have someone around you who can get you immediate medical attention should you have a Grand Mal seizure.

• 9

  Ask your physician to keep you informed about new medications and treatments as they are developed or implemented. You can also go online to read the latest from the Epilepsy Foundation, the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.