Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
A seizure occurs when there is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain, which can cause temporary changes in sensation, awareness, behavior, or movement.
Some seizures may involve brief lapses of consciousness or staring spells, while others may cause convulsions, muscle spasms, or loss of consciousness.
Suffering from Epilepsy can be immensely challenging. For many, it’s not just a seizure but it is much more – the lack of control, fractures and bruising from falling, confusion, medications, and a worried family on top of that.
It’s a journey marked by hardships and obstacles. However, with the right approach and support, it is possible to manage epilepsy effectively.
Lifestyle modifications for Epilepsy
1. Healthy sleep habits
Get an adequate amount of quality sleep. Try and maintain a consistent sleep schedule of 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep or changes in the sleeping pattern might trigger the seizures. Remember, fatigue is one of the common types of triggers. So, be well rested to avoid seizures.
2. Medication adherence
Always remember to take your medicines. Missing even one or two doses can be triggering to those suffering from seizures. Never forget to adhere to your medication schedule as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Set reminders to take your medicine incase you are a forgetful person
3. Stress management
Managing stress is a significant and sometimes complicated factor for everyone. Though we realize the impact of stress on us, it is quite difficult to minimize this. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage stress levels, as stress can be a trigger for seizures in some individuals.
4. Regular exercise
Get up and get moving! Sitting idle for long hours is never a good thing. Engage in physical activity with the advice of your doctor. Regular physical activity might induce positive physiological and psychological changes, leading to enhanced seizure control through improved overall health and well-being.
5. Avoid alcohol
Consuming alcohol while suffering from epilepsy poses a numerous amount of risks. Alcohol in itself is a trigger for epilepsy and secondly, anti-epileptic medicines cannot be taken with alcohol. Mixing alcohol with these medications can reduce their effectiveness or increase side-effects.
6. Safety precautions
People with epilepsy are in constant danger of bruising and hurting themselves. Measures such as removing sharp objects, securing furniture, and using safety devices like helmets can help mitigate risks. Supervision during hazardous activities and water safety precautions are also essential. Overall, these measures aim to create a secure environment and minimize the likelihood of accidents during seizures. Let your peers, colleagues and family members know of your condition so they can assist you in any way they can when you lapse into a seizure.
7. Identify triggers
Identifying the triggers to your seizures will help you immensely in minimizing them. Keep a diary where you make note of every single time you get a seizure. Look for commonalities between the lapses and figure out what might have induced them. Potential triggers can vary widely among individuals but may include lack of sleep, stress, certain foods or beverages, flashing lights, or hormonal changes.
