[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/life-with-epilepsy-seizure-plan\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/life-with-epilepsy-seizure-plan\/","headline":"Tips for Life with Epilepsy (and How to Create a Seizure Safety Plan)","name":"Tips for Life with Epilepsy (and How to Create a Seizure Safety Plan)","description":"Epilepsy is a scary diagnosis. Life with epilepsy, though, can be managed. Here are some tips on how to manage epilepsy and create a seizure safety plan.","datePublished":"2017-10-09","dateModified":"2024-09-06","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","name":"Neurosurgery","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/neurosurgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Life-with-seizures.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Life-with-seizures.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/life-with-epilepsy-seizure-plan\/","about":["Neurosurgery and Brain Health"],"wordCount":714,"keywords":["epilepsy","Epilepsy Foundation","neurological disorder","seizures"],"articleBody":"Epilepsy\u00a0can be a scary diagnosis, especially when you don\u2019t know much about it.Epilepsy\u00a0is the fourth most common neurological condition. The onset of epilepsy can happen at any time. About 4% of people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their life, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.Seizures are a brain disorder caused by irregular and abnormal electrical connections. They can happen at any time and often are unpredictable.Taking Steps for SafetyLearning as much as you can about epilepsy when you’re first diagnosed can help you figure out how to balance everyday life with the disorder. If you\u2019ve had epileptic seizures, daily life is likely to change \u2014 especially if you live alone.Here are seven ways to manage epilepsy for safety.1. Find the right neurologistThe first step in managing epilepsy is to establish a good relationship with your neurologist or epileptologist \u2014 someone who is an expert in treating seizures. Your doctor may order tests and prescribe medicines to help control the seizures. Other treatments, including surgical options, may be available if seizures continue despite medicines.2. Track your seizure triggersSometimes, people have triggers that make a seizure more likely to happen. People living with epilepsy find it helpful to pay attention to their seizure triggers. You may be able to control some triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, or other lifestyle factors. You should also be aware that some seizure triggers may be out of your control, like illness or hormonal changes.3. Develop a seizure response planIt\u2019s important to be prepared for a seizure so that those around you can help. A seizure response plan is a written document that provides personal information, emergency contacts, details about your specific seizures and epilepsy medicines, and information on what others can do to help you if you have a seizure. The Epilepsy Foundation has a worksheet to fill out and keep with you.4. Let people knowShare your seizure response plan with the people you spend the most time with. If you\u2019re a student, share it with your roommates and close friends. If you\u2019re working, share your plan with co-workers and close neighbors. Keep a copy in your purse or backpack in case you experience a seizure while out in public. Some people wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant, which helps first responders.5. Enlist help with transportationOne of the hardest things to deal with when you\u2019re living with epilepsy is the possible loss of driving privileges and the independence that comes with it. To obtain or keep a driver\u2019s license when diagnosed with epilepsy, your state may require you to prove that you\u2019ve been seizure-free for a specified amount of time. While this restriction is for safety, it can be difficult (and expensive) to rely on public transportation or ride-sharing apps. Talk to your family\u00a0and friends to figure out ways they can help you get around.6. Have a spotterEpilepsy may prevent you from taking part in certain activities, including adventure sports like scuba diving and skydiving. But even when swimming, you should take extra precautions \u2014 like making sure someone is watching and can help in an emergency. If you\u2019re participating in an activity that would be unsafe during a seizure, it\u2019s a good idea to use the buddy system and have a spotter on hand.7. Join a support groupIf you\u2019re living with epilepsy, you might consider joining a support group or reaching out to others who live with epilepsy. Having an outlet to share ways to manage life with epilepsy and knowing others who are going through similar experiences can be comforting and provide both support and ideas you can use.Life with EpilepsyA good source of information for people living with epilepsy is the\u00a0Epilepsy Foundation. This organization provides educational options, support services, and other resource lists. Examples include transportation services information, help with understanding health coverage, information about camps for kids with epilepsy, financial assistance, and more.If you need a second opinion or more information on how to live your best life with epilepsy, contact the\u00a0UPMC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 9, 2017, and was last reviewed on September 6, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Tips for Life with Epilepsy (and How to Create a Seizure Safety Plan)","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/life-with-epilepsy-seizure-plan\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]