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seizures and no one is around to help?
Sat, 10/12/2019 - 10:06I'm relatively new to epilepsy as it only began after severe head trauma 3 years ago. I've been lucky in that all my seizures have been at home in the mornings, mostly just after waking up or in one case whilst I was having a shower. When I was showering I felt dizzy so I stepped out of the shower, my girlfriend heard me and called an ambulance. Because I work in a small shop and I am usually alone for the last 3 hours. I'm interested to know what happens if no one is around and I have a seizure which in my case are usually grand mal. The key points I would like to know are the likelihood of it being fatal or result in further brain damage.
Hi davo-c137, Thanks so
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2019-10-15 - 09:31
Hi davo-c137, Thanks so much for posting and we understand your concerns. It’s important that you’re continuing to follow-up with your healthcare team to express your concerns and if you experience any changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms. A key part of managing epilepsy is knowing how it can affect a person's independence and day-to-day needs. Visit our independent living pages here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-living to learn more about resources that are available & when help is needed. We know this can feel overwhelming. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce these feelings and help manage your epilepsy. There are many different devices that can help detect seizures and notify someone to help respond. Review our seizure alert device factsheet with your doctor to see if a seizure alert device is an option you: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf Learn how to live with seizures, potential risks and safety tips: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe Additionally, you may want to consider keeping a journal or a diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for not only tracking seizures, but recording your medical history, setting reminders, managing medications, side effects, moods, behaviors & triggers,which can be shared with your healthcare team. Create a seizure response or action plan, which is a helpful tool for those close to you understand what do if you have a seizure: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms It may be helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find & give support to each other, by contacting your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Or contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, can assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline