Epilepsy is a common condition of the brain in which a person tends to have recurrent unprovoked seizures. Show
About 70% of people with epilepsy gain control of their seizures with medication. People who continue to have seizures are more vulnerable to the potential risks associated with seizures, especially when seizures occur without warning and impair awareness. Epilepsy, like other long-term conditions such as asthma or diabetes, comes with certain risks. If left unchecked these can become very serious. Seizure-related risks are higher when people have poorly controlled seizures. Good seizure control is the first step in reducing seizure-related risks. Seizures can sometimes lead to injuries or falls, and they can occasionally be more serious – even contributing to, or causing, death. Different types of seizures carry different risks. Your risk level depends on the type of seizures you have, and your lifestyle. For instance, poorly controlled tonic-clonic seizures pose the highest safety risk, and if you take part in activities such as mountain climbing, this risk is increased. Life is never risk-free, but taking positive action to reduce your seizures, thinking about risks specific to you and discussing seizure management with your doctor are a start to reducing some of your seizure-related risks. Epileptic seizure first aidIf you are with someone having a tonic-clonic seizure (where the body stiffens, followed by general muscle jerking), try to:
Do not put anything into their mouth or restrain or move the person, unless they are in danger. Epilepsy Smart Australia have produced a Seizure first aid information showing what to do if someone has a seizure. If a person having a seizure is in a wheelchairIf a person has a seizure when they are in a wheelchair, car seat or stroller:
After the seizure, if the person is having trouble breathing or they need to sleep, take them out of the chair and put them in the recovery position. If their breathing difficulties continue, call an ambulance and closely monitor the person. Be prepared to perform CPR if they stop breathing. Be aware that the CPR technique for is different to the CPR technique for young children and . Seizures in waterIf a seizure occurs in water:
Once out of the water:
When to call an ambulance for an epileptic seizureCall triple zero (000) for an ambulance if:
Epilepsy and your safetyAnything that affects a person’s conscious state, awareness or judgement can increase the risk of accidents. If you have a seizure, your doctor will advise you in relation to driving, the use of dangerous machinery, working above ground level and general safety issues. Some people choose to wear a specially designed medical alert bracelet or pendant with epilepsy information, in case of an accident. Another option is to carry medical information in your wallet. Epilepsy and drivingSeizures can affect your ability to drive safely. If you have a seizure or are diagnosed with epilepsy, your doctor will inform you that you cannot drive. How long this period will last will depend on many things including:
If you meet certain criteria later on, you will be able to drive again – safely and legally. If you do not meet those criteria, your licence may not be renewed, or you may be issued a conditional licence. It’s your responsibility to inform the driving authorities about having epilepsy or a seizure. In Victoria, this means informing Driving against medical advice is illegal and dangerous to you, your passengers and the general public. There are many safety factors to consider as seizures often occur without warning. If you continue to drive and are involved in a motor vehicle accident during the recommended non-driving period, and it’s found that a seizure was a contributing factor, you may be prosecuted and charged or even jailed. Learn more about seizures and driving in . Epilepsy and water safetyIf a seizure happens in water, it can lead to a life threatening situation. It’s important to think about water safety, recognise risks and what steps to take if a seizure may happen in the water. Some simple suggestions include:
Epilepsy and general hazardsPeople take risks every day, but people who have seizures may have to deal with different risks. By becoming aware of potential risks and ways these can be lessened, activities can be safer and most people with epilepsy can live full and active lives. Injuries and accidents tend to occur more around the home than anywhere else. There are many ways you can make your home safer. Try doing a few things like:
Keep your safety precautions sensible and relevant, with a balance between risk and restrictions. Enjoy life as much as you can and don’t restrict activities to a point where you exclude interest and fun. Take the time to think about your home, work and leisure activities. What may be potential dangers if a seizure occurs? How can you reduce the risk of harm to yourself or others? There are many practical ways you can easily improve the safety of your environment. For example, take a look at Epilepsy Action Australia’s safety . Seizure emergenciesMost seizures last less than 2 minutes. However, some people with epilepsy tend to have severe or life-threatening seizures. For these people, seizures may be prolonged or happen in clusters. In some people these severe seizures can happen regularly. These situations are considered seizure emergencies. They can lead to brain injury and can be life threatening, so it’s important to recognise and treat these seizures quickly. Fortunately, it’s possible to administer out-of-hospital medication in a way that is likely to stop a severe seizure. This medication can be prescribed by your neurologist. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is when a person with epilepsy dies suddenly and prematurely and no reason for death is found. SUDEP deaths are often unwitnessed, with many of the deaths occurring overnight. There may be obvious signs a seizure has happened, though this isn’t always the case. The cause of SUDEP is not yet known. Researchers are investigating a range of possibilities such as the effect of seizures on breathing and the heart. SUDEP occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy (1 in 4,500 children). Having active or poorly controlled seizures can put you at risk of injury and death. Research has shown that there are certain types of seizure that increase your risk of SUDEP. Ask your doctor for more information about SUDEP or get a SUDEP and Safety done by your doctor or epilepsy nurse. Reducing the risks of SUDEPKnowing about epilepsy-related risks of injury and death means you can act against them. Steps you can take to reduce seizure-related risks, injury or death are:
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