There are many actions a person can take to lesson the likelihood of a seizure. For example, discouraging activities and behaviors that might lead to seizures, including avoiding head traumas, are the best seizure precautions. In addition, avoiding any place that could trigger a seizure, promoting excellent health habits, and continually educating yourself about seizures can be among the best seizure precautions.
There are relevant seizure precautions that can be taken for children who have seizures. For example, do not allow children to climb higher than 10 feet. Also, do not allow them to be alone in a hot tub, boat, bathtub, or pool, as children can drown during seizures. If children are older and do not want to bathe with supervision, allow them to take showers but with the bathroom door unlocked.
It is advisable for children with a history of seizures to wear helmets while biking or skating. Avoiding unnecessary trauma to the head is very important. Individuals with a history of seizures should avoid participating in contact sports or sports that could cause head injuries, such as boxing.
If an individual is of driving age, he or she typically should not do any driving unless a doctor has been informed and there have been no seizures for at least six months. In addition, reasonable seizure precautions need to be taken with other activities. Moving or operating large machinery may not be wise.
Avoiding places that could trigger a seizure can be an important preventative. For example, some individuals have sensitivity to strobe lights. Going to places such as bars or discos, riding in the car while trees block light intermittently, or participating in any situation where the light flickers could be problematic for a person with a history of seizures.
Maintaining excellent health habits could be very helpful for individuals with a history of seizures. Sleeping regularly, eating nutritious meals, and avoiding stress all contribute to good health. Maintaining this good health is important in avoiding medical conditions that can lead to seizures, such as hypoxia, fever, cardiac disturbance, and electrolyte disturbance. Those with a history of seizures should also note any risks with taking certain medications.
Staying abreast of medical literature on seizures can be helpful. For instance, traditional medicine articles on seizures can provide new information regarding triggers or treatment. Also, reading alternative medicine perspectives, such as the well-known psychic Edgar Cayce's readings, can provide different views on seizures. Cayce suggests actions such as applying abdominal castor oil packs, getting spinal manipulations by an osteopath, dietary improvements, and putting ice at the back of the brain can all be seizure precautions. Talk to a medical doctor specializing in alternative medicine for more information on the best way to implement these treatments.
Educating others as to what to do if a seizure occurs is a good precaution. For instance, people should know to time the seizure, call 911, and be able to give the paramedics a good description of what occurred. They should also know not to place anything in the person’s mouth during the seizure, not to restrain the person, and let the seizure run its course. Of course, contacting a physician about any seizure questions is the ultimate good precaution.