If you have seizures, even your own home or school can include dangers. Your family may be able to make some changes to help you be safer.

Stair climbing

Our world is filled with stairs. For the vast majority of teens with epilepsy, stairs should not be barriers to getting around. However, seizures that interfere with consciousness or control of movement can cause serious injuries if they occur while you are on a staircase. If you have an aura, or warning, before a seizure, you may be able to sit down until the seizure is over.

If you have frequent seizures that cause falling, it is reasonable to use elevators, not stairs, when they are available. In school, however, this restriction might cause you to be late for classes or to stand out from classmates. Just asking a friend who is aware of your epilepsy to accompany you from one class to the next can be helpful.

Bathing

It is possible to drown in just a couple of inches of water, so young children with epilepsy should take tub baths only with constant supervision. As a teen, you'll want more privacy, however, so you can take a shower instead. But never lock the bathroom door, in case you need help. If possible, it's a good idea to have the door open outward so it can still be opened if you fall against it.

Topic Editor: Gregory L. Holmes, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 10/03/06