Safety and Seizures

Personal Safety

 

Right from the beginning we taught our kids what to do "if Mommy falls and shakes and doesn't wake up." I'd tell them I was going to pretend to have a seizure and they would practice calling the special numbers by the phone. When they were older, we practiced first aid steps as well. They only had to do it for real a couple of times, but they did a great job -- and they were very proud of themselves.

 

• Make sure everyone in the family knows what to expect when you have a seizure, knows correct seizure first aid and knows when it is (or isn't) necessary to call for emergency help.
  
  
• Know first aid for choking. Make sure your family and friends do, too.
  
  
  
• Help young children in your family learn what to do by having "seizure drills" that review first aid steps and how to call for help.
  
  
• Wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace.
  
  
• Avoid things which are known to increase the risk of a seizure -- for example, forgetting to take medication; not getting enough sleep; drinking a lot of alcohol; or using illegal drugs.
  
  
• Try using a pillbox to help you remember your medicines. Store all medicines safely away from children.
  
  
• If you have an aura (warning) before a seizure, lie down on your side on a carpeted or other soft surface.
  
  
• Carry a small portable phone or beeper in case you have to call for help and cannot get to a regular phone.
  
  
• If your seizures are very frequent and sudden, consider wearing a helmet or other protective clothing, such as knee or elbow pads, at least when you're at home alone.

 

Our kitchen needed painting and I was the only person around to do it. I didn't want to use a ladder, but there was no other way to reach the ceiling. So I put a bike helmet on my head. I guess I looked kind of strange, but I felt better. And I got a bonus -- it kept the paint out of my hair.

 

Disclaimer

This information is based on common experience. It does not reflect the level of risk or need for safety measures of any individual. People vary in their need for safety measures and readers with seizures are warned not to base lifestyle changes on this material without first consulting a physician.