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Seizure-related events are unpredictable and can cause a great deal of stress for people with epilepsy. Practicing self-management techniques can help individuals cope with these challenges. Taking antiepileptic medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider is one of the best ways to control seizures. Getting enough sleep and staying away from things that trigger seizures is also critical.
Practice Stress Management Techniques
As with any chronic health condition, epilepsy comes with its own set of risks. While good seizure control can lower these risks, they still exist and may contribute to or cause accidents, injuries, and even death. Epilepsy management Austin TX, is important to help reduce your risk of seizures. Stress and anxiety are often the triggers for seizures. Try to get adequate sleep, practice relaxation techniques and avoid anger and frustration. Stress can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to a variety of medical problems, including seizures. It’s important to find a healthcare provider you feel comfortable talking with about the emotional highs and lows of dealing with a medical condition like epilepsy.
Educate Yourself
Epilepsy can affect the way you live and can impact your independence. But it doesn’t have to stop you from living a rich and fulfilling life.
There are many strategies to help manage your seizures and improve your quality of life. It includes taking your medications as prescribed, tracking your seizures and their triggers, and getting plenty of restful sleep.
In addition, you should also tell your friends, family and coworkers about your condition. People may feel more at ease with you and less stigmatized about having epilepsy as a result. Moreover, they can help you stay safe and provide assistance if needed during a seizure.
Develop a Support Network
An engaged social support system can be helpful for individuals with epilepsy. People can seek help through a local support group or online community, and family members can provide much-needed emotional support. Educating friends and family about epilepsy is important to helping them understand the condition. People can use tools to get started. One can ask their healthcare professional for information about local support groups or visit the National Institutes of Health’s online resource list. It may help them find a group that best fits their age, location and type of seizure.
Exercise
Exercise has been demonstrated in studies to help reduce seizures. People with epilepsy should practice stretching exercises that help strengthen muscles and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can help prevent depression, a common condition among those who have epilepsy, and improve mental health. For most people with epilepsy, aerobic activities like swimming and walking are safe. However, taking precautions in the water is important to prevent a seizure. It is best to swim in a pool with a lifeguard and to be accompanied by someone who knows how to respond to a seizure. Some contact sports, such as football, rugby, basketball, and ice hockey, maybe more dangerous for people with epilepsy. But with proper safety measures, many people with epilepsy can enjoy these sports.
Practice Mindfulness
Many studies support the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation techniques for reducing stress and mental health comorbidities. Neuroscience researchers are exploring the underlying physiologic and anatomic basis of these effects. Meditation can help you focus on the present moment and clear your mind of distractions. Practicing mindful activities, such as painting, sketching, pottery and crafts, can also relax you. Take a shower rather than a bath because taking a bath increases your risk of seizures while submerged in water. Fit your bathroom with outward-opening doors or sliding or half doors that easily open to reduce the risk of injury if you have a seizure in the tub or toilet.
Establish a Sleep Routine
Seizures can occur at any time of day, including during sleep. Consequently, people with epilepsy must establish a routine that supports restful sleep. It may include avoiding technology in the bedroom, making the room dark and quiet, and using calming activities before bed. Fatigue is a common side effect of seizures and the medications used to control them. It is exacerbated by interrupted or disturbed sleep, and it can lead to depression. Changing medicine dosages or timing, staying away from stimulants like caffeine and sugary foods, and using stress-reduction strategies are some strategies to combat exhaustion and enhance sleep quality.
