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What are the Best Tips for Seizure Management?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Tips for seizure management are important for both people who have seizures and for people who happen to witness another person having one. People who have seizures may be able to manage them more effectively by understanding what triggers their seizures and making an attempt to avoid those things whenever possible. It is also important for people who have seizures to take any prescribed medication regularly and try not to miss any doses. Those who are regularly around another person who occasionally has seizures may benefit from educating themselves on seizure first aid.

Understanding what triggers a seizure might be one of the most important aspect of seizure management for a person who is either epileptic or occasionally has seizures related to other problems. Alcohol and excess stress tend to be some of the most common seizure triggers. In women, changes in hormones can also bring them on. A person may be able to greatly reduce the frequency of her seizures by attempting to avoid the triggers when possible, although things like hormone changes cannot normally be avoided. The things that set off a seizure may vary from person to person, and it may be beneficial for someone to keep a log book documenting the seizures he experiences and the circumstances surrounding them in an effort to understand his individual triggers.

EEG tests, which identify localized abnormal brain activity, may be used to develop plans to manage specific types of seizures.
EEG tests, which identify localized abnormal brain activity, may be used to develop plans to manage specific types of seizures.

Another important aspect of seizure management is remembering to take all prescription seizure medication. The type of medication prescribed for seizures normally varies depending on each individual case. A person who doesn't take seizure medication when she is supposed to will be much more likely to experience a seizure. Many people have problems with remembering to take pills, but keeping the pills divided up into a special pill box marked with each day of the week might make it easier to remember what doses have been taken. Some people also keep pill charts in a handy spot, like on a refrigerator, to mark down the date and time after they take each pill.

Seizure management is also generally important for friends, family members, and co-workers of people who have seizures to understand. A person who witnesses a seizure may need to take certain steps to protect the person having the seizure until it is over. The first thing that is typically recommended is to get the person having the seizure onto her side so she does not choke. It may also be a good idea to sit with a person until the seizure is over and make sure that his airway remains open the entire time. If the seizure lasts for more than five minutes, it is usually necessary to call for immediate medical attention.

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    • EEG tests, which identify localized abnormal brain activity, may be used to develop plans to manage specific types of seizures.
      By: Tobilander
      EEG tests, which identify localized abnormal brain activity, may be used to develop plans to manage specific types of seizures.