Partial Seizures: Staying Healthy

With a little bit of planning, most people with partial seizures are able to lead active, fulfilling lives. You can, too. These tips can help you stay as healthy as possible and head off seizures before they happen.

Walking and biking are great ways to stay active. Make sure your seizures are under control before starting any exercise program, such as biking. Doing so can decrease your risk for injury. Make it safer and more fun by asking a friend to join you. Or try organized exercise groups or classes.

If you have a seizure when bicycling, you could become unconscious or veer off the road due to a sudden movement. For this reason, biking can be unsafe if seizures aren't well controlled. Along with the risk for broken bones, head injuries can occur while biking. So always wear a helmet. A stationary bike may be a safer choice for some people.

Don't swim until seizures are under control. Then, never swim alone.

You may have stressors in your everyday life. You may also be feeling some stress from dealing with seizures. But feeling too much stress may trigger seizures. Try some of these ideas to ease stress:

• Consider switching job activities if your work is not compatible with epilepsy.
• Get more help around the house.
• Look at having seizures as a chance to review your life's goals.
• Focus your energy on staying well. Many successful people have coped with seizures.
• Talk to family and friends about your concerns.
• Ask your healthcare provider about support groups for people dealing with seizures.
• Ask your healthcare provider to show you relaxation methods, such as deep breathing and visualization.
• Spend time on a hobby you enjoy.
• Seek professional counseling if you feel overwhelmed by your epilepsy, work, or family issues.

Many chemicals can cause or trigger seizures. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to seizures. Many illegal drugs also cause severe seizures, even in people who don't normally have them.

Knowing your seizure pattern can help you manage your epilepsy. For example:

• Identify things that may trigger your seizures. For instance, flickering lights from the TV, computer screen, or fluorescent lights trigger seizures in some people.
• Look for patterns that occur before a seizure happens. Some people notice certain sounds, smells, or sights that aren't really there (called an aura) just before a seizure. If you have auras, take action immediately to limit your risk of injury; for example, sit down, or let a friend know you might have a seizure.
• Keep your body from becoming too tired. Get enough sleep every night.
• Get plenty of rest and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations when you are sick. The risk of having a seizure is higher when you are fighting an infection.
• About half of women of childbearing age who have epilepsy have more seizures around their menstrual cycle. Seizures occur most often in the middle of the cycle, around ovulation, and about a week before menstrual bleeding. If this pattern applies to you, track when your menses are due, make certain no medicine doses are missed, sleep well, and try to make lifestyle adjustments (such as avoiding known triggers) to lower the risk of menses-related breakthrough seizures.

For your safety, a medical alert bracelet or necklace should be worn. People with epilepsy should also consider carrying a list of their medicines in their wallets or on their smartphones.