Preventative and Safety Measures for People with Epilepsy

Generally speaking, these precautions are common sense and are based on proactively asking yourself, "What would happen if I had a seizure while doing this?” Of course, these precautions apply most if seizures are not well controlled.

General Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure family and friends are aware of your seizures.
• Tell your friends about your condition and what to do in case of seizures. While this may be difficult, it will help friends avoid panicking if a seizure occurs and could be the best tool to avoid possible injuries.
• Only use motorized power tools that have safety switches. Machines with safety switches will stop on their own if you have a seizure and let go of the switch.
• Avoid climbing heights.

Daily Life Activities

• Replace glass with plastic to prevent cuts during a seizure; broken glass doors, cups, showers, etc., can cause injuries.
• Put guards on open fireplaces, wood stoves, or radiators.
• Cooking can result in burns. Cook with another adult present who can intervene if necessary.
• While a stove is in use, panhandles should face the back of the stove. Using the back burners reduces the chance of being burned if a seizure occurs.

Water-related Safety

• Any activity related to water should be considered a risk, so people with epilepsy should avoid swimming, diving, or taking baths by themselves.
• Showers are safer than baths, and preferred.
• Set the maximum hot water temperature in your house at 110 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

Rescue Treatments

• Rescue medications are used in case of prolonged seizures or clusters of seizures.
• The usual medications are called benzodiazepines (Valium class), most commonly diazepam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.
• Most are given by mouth. Some are available rectally, and there may be some available intra-nasally in the near future.
• People with a vagus nerve stimulartor (VNS) can swipe the magnet to trigger an extra stimulation.