Living With Epilepsy - Taking Steps to Staying Safe

Living with epilepsy doesn’t have to be a nightmare. These handy tips will help you feel safe in the case of a seizure, with minimum impact on your day-to-day life. If you've been recently diagnosed with epilepsy it's easy to panic. Seizures are scary, and even scarier when you consider how unexpected they can be. The key to staying living with the condition is to be prepared. By taking a few careful safety precautions you too can live a relatively normal life.

Let Others Know

For epilepsy sufferers, there are few things more important than letting the people around you know about your condition. This can be as simple as telling friends, family and work colleagues that you have epilepsy. Some experience an aura before a seizure - this is actually a partial seizure where you may notice a strange smell or taste, your body beginning to feel strange and have a sense of déjà vu or fear. This phenomenon is the perfect opportunity to quickly tell someone that you may be about to have a seizure and make sure you are seated and in a safe place.rnFor most epilepsy sufferers it's impossible and unnecessary to always be in the presence of someone who knows about their condition. Wear a piece of ID jewellery and carry an epilepsy card at all times - these should contain details of your epilepsy and treatment type, as well as any medication you take. A medical ID bracelet or necklace can also be engraved with your doctor's contact details, as well as your name and an emergency contact. Nowadays there are so many stylish designs around, wearing identification is no longer a chore. Choose a robust piece, ideally one which is waterproof and resists tarnishing.rnYou might also want to consider using an ICE (In Case of Emergency) service. By signing up to a text and call package emergency personnel can retrieve your detailed medical information in an instant.

Plan Certain Activities Carefully

Epilepsy will change the way you think about day-to-day activities like cooking, swimming, cycling and even eating. Whatever you’re planning on doing, it’s important to think about what would happen if you had a seizure while doing it. While planning every activity ahead may seem unnatural at first, you will become soon used to it and begin to take safety precautions without thinking. rnUntil your seizures are completely under control always eat sitting down, and make sure friends and family know basic first aid like the Heimlich manoeuvre in case you choke on your food. Chairs with arm rests prevent falls, and a commuter cup with a lid and spout prevent dangerous spillages of hot drinks. Those with frequent seizures may want to take more extreme steps like using the microwave rather than the stove, and using unbreakable plastic dishes. rnSome say they are less likely to suffer seizures when active, but it’s still important to take precautions. Avoid swimming in cold water or when tired or stressed, and be cautious of shimmering fluorescent lights or sunlight on the surface of the water if you are photosensitive. Tell your lifeguard your condition, and take a buoyancy aid or a person with you who knows about your condition. rnYour gym instructor should also be made aware you are epileptic, or wear reflective clothing and avoid busy roads if cycling or jogging. Hypoglycaemia can also trigger a seizure, so glucose energy drinks can help when exercising.rnWhatever activities you are planning, remember to always carry your medication and your epilepsy card, and wear prominent ID jewellery. This way you’ll be able to live stress-free, despite your medical condition.