How can I remember to take my epilepsy medications?
Taking your medications properly is very important in treating your epilepsy. It
is important not to skip doses and to establish a schedule you can remember and
stick with. A few tips for sticking with your epilepsy medication schedule are:
- Fill a pillbox with a week’s epilepsy medication. If at the end of the week
you have leftover pills, you know you missed a few doses and can correct that pattern
- Leave yourself notes. Write reminders in your day planner or put sticky
notes on your refrigerator or medicine cabinet—anywhere you will see them
- Program electronic alerts. For those of you who are technologically savvy,
program your digital watch, cell phone, or e-mail program to alert you when to take
your epilepsy medication.
How can I safeguard my kitchen?
Every home has 2 main areas that can invite harm—the kitchen and bathroom.
After a complex partial seizure, people can become confused and risk injury. There
are several things you can do 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
- Cook in a microwave, which is the safest option. Microwave cookbooks are available
- Keep a cart in the kitchen. This lets you wheel food to the table, so you don’t
risk dropping hot food
- Ask your plumber to install a heat-control device in your faucet so the water
doesn’t become too hot
- Consider carpeting the kitchen floor. This can provide cushion if you fall
- Use plastic containers rather than glass when possible
How can I safeguard my bathroom?
- Install a device in your tub and shower head that controls temperature. This keeps
you from burning yourself if a seizure should occur
- Carpet the floor—carpet is 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, and use a handheld
shower head. If you have many seizures, bathe while someone is with you
How can I participate safely in physical activities?
You can play sports with epilepsy. However, it’s a good idea to have someone
with you who knows how to manage a seizure. Wearing head protection is also recommended
when participating in a contact sport that has a risk of falling or hitting your
head.
Here are some tips for picking the right physical activities for living with epilepsy:
- If seizures usually occur at a certain time, plan activities when seizures are
less likely to happen
- Avoid extreme heat when exercising and keep hydrated with plenty of water to reduce
seizure risks
- Check with your neurologist before starting any new exercise program
Some activities may be restricted if you have uncontrolled seizures, including:
- Swimming alone
- Climbing to unsafe heights
- Riding a bike in traffic