Tips on Epilepsy
Diet and Nutrition
- Diet and nutrition play an important role in seizure control. Eating too many sweets can cause seizures, especially if a seizure patient eats a sweet item right before a meal or in place of a meal. Eating a regular meal is a basic step in seizure prevention. In addition, a seizure patient should eat as soon as possible after he becomes hungry. Going an extended amount of time on an empty stomach increases the likelihood of having a seizure.
- A seizure patient should not consume any alcoholic beverages. In some case, even foods that are cooked with alcohol can trigger a seizure.
- Establish a schedule for taking your seizure medication and stick to it. Allowing a one hour time frame of when a given dose of medication should be taken is a good rule to follow. For example, you may decide to always take your seizure medication between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., and then again between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. For some patients, taking their medication at a specific hour may be more crucial. Being consistent in taking your seizure medication on a regular basis will decrease seizure frequency.
- Women with epilepsy who have an increase of seizures while on their menstrual cycle should talk to their neurologist about increasing their dosage of medication during their period.
Lifestyle
- Get plenty of sleep each night. Staying up late or not getting enough sleep can increase seizure activity and can also intensify seizures.
- Seizure patients should take extra precautions to prevent seizures when they plan on being more physically active. Adequate rest and nourishment prior to sporting activities or highly strenuous activities can help prevent seizures. Frequent rest times are also encouraged during activities that require lots of physical work. (i.e. basketball, baseball, jogging, or strenuous yard work)
- For better seizure control, a seizure patient must have a balance in his life. There needs to be a balance of sleep, physical activities, social activities, and quiet time. Too much excitement, continuous laughing, or stress can trigger a seizure.
