Epilepsy safety should be a concern for anyone who experiences seizures. A goal for anyone with epilepsy should be to live life as fully as possible, while knowing there are simple ways to increase safety when having a seizure. Special care should always be taken when around water, including bathtubs. It may prove safest to shower sitting on a stool while using a hand shower. If you go swimming, it is important to have someone with you who knows of your condition.
It is also important to take precaution around any sharp objects or machinery that cuts as well as being cautious around heights. If you experience seizures, take special care when cooking and use the back burners to avoid spills or burns. In some cases, although rare, seizures can cause death either from injury or a condition called SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy). A person suffering from seizures can discuss SUDEP with their health care provider.
It is important to understand that all medications, including anti-seizure medications, have a risk associated with them. It is known that certain anti-seizure medications can weaken bones over long periods of time. It is important to balance the risks of medications with the risks or seizures, taking into consideration a person’s lifestyle. In 2008, the FDA reported 4 deaths from suicide out of 28,000 people taking epilepsy medicines compared to zero deaths from patients taking a placebo. Other patients who took the medications reported having suicidal thoughts. This is good information for people to know, but doesn’t mean to stop taking your medications. It is important to be aware that these medications have the potential of influencing thoughts in this way.
Anti-seizure Medications Can Alter how other Medications Work
If you have depression or thoughts of suicide it is important to talk to your doctor immediately. Many epilepsy medications can have interactions with other drugs, and have the ability to change the side effects of other medications. Some anti-epilepsy medications can reduce the effectiveness of low-dose birth control pills by causing the liver to clear the hormones quicker from the body. If this happens, it is possible to have an unexpected pregnancy. If you are on anti-epilepsy medications and may get pregnant it is important to talk with your doctor about taking a folic acid supplement to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Some groups are genetically inclined to certain side effects. For example, people who have an Asian background can be predisposed to getting a rash from taking carbamazepine. Anyone who has epilepsy should talk with their medical professional about any adverse reactions or drug interactions.
There are parents with epilepsy who are concerned about dropping a small child or infant if they were to have a seizure. This is rare, but some precautions can be taken. Carry the baby only when necessary or use a pouch that keeps the child next to your body. Change the baby’s diaper on the floor instead of on a raised surface. Don’t ever leave the baby in water, and find help to supervise the baby in a dangerous situation.
How to Help a Person that is Seizing
With tonic-clonic seizures, make sure that they do not bang into objects or the ground during the seizure. Turn a person on their side to help them avoid inhaling secretions. Do not ever put anything in the mouth of a person seizing, as a bite, broken teeth, or inhalation can result from this. If a seizure continues longer than five minutes, not including wake-up time or that person goes directly into another seizure, call 911 immediately. This information is meant to be helpful but it does not replace individualized medical care or counsel, which you should obtain from your health care team.
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