Epilepsy in Daily Life

Staying Safe in Daily Life

Sometimes we don’t pay much attention to the things we do every day. But common daily activities could pose a threat to people with epilepsy. In general, it’s a good idea to have medical information available in case you have a seizure when you’re not with someone who knows you have epilepsy. You can also wear a medical alert bracelet to let people know about your epilepsy in case you have a seizure.

Home Safety

Seizure control in the home starts with your kitchen and your bathrooms. These are the places where, during and after any seizure, you can become confused and risk injury. Take these seizure precautions to decrease the chance of accidents.

In the Kitchen

• Use oven mitts and cook only on rear burners.
• If possible, use an electric stove, so there is no open flame.
• Cooking in a microwave is the safest option.
• Ask your plumber to install a heat-control device in your faucet so the water doesn't become too hot.
• Carpet the kitchen floor. This can provide cushioning if you fall.
• Use plastic containers rather than glass when possible.

In the Bathroom

• Install a device in your tub and shower head that controls temperature. This keeps you from burning yourself if a seizure occurs.
• Carpet the floor—it’s softer and less slippery than tile.
• Do not put a lock on the bathroom door. If you have one, never use it. Someone should always be able to get in if you need help.
• Learn to bathe with only a few inches of water in the tub, or use a handheld shower head.

Driving

For many people with epilepsy, the risk of seizures restricts their independence, in particular the ability to drive. The Epilepsy Foundation offers a state-by-state database of driving restrictions and regulations. Look up your state’s regulations.

Staying Active

Generally, having epilepsy doesn’t mean you can’t take part in sports and activities. Remember, everyone is different. So, be sure to talk to your neurologist or epileptologist about your seizure control and how it might affect your ability to participate in sports and other activities.

Getting Your Sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of seizures. Make sure that you get the sleep you need to maintain seizure control. If you don’t feel rested after a full night in bed, ask your doctor about whether you should be tested for a sleep disturbance like sleep apnea.

Drinking Alcohol

For some people with epilepsy, the occasional alcoholic drink poses no problem. For others, alcohol can change the electrical activity in the brain and affect how epilepsy medicines work. Everyone’s different, so talk to your doctor about how drinking alcohol may affect you. And remember, heavy drinking can cause a seizure and should be avoided.