Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at Indiana University and IU Health Physicians
Answered 2 years ago
Patients with epilepsy are at risk to have seizures at random. Seizures can be debilitating and cause injuries in the context of certain activities, though seizures generally do not result in death or serious injury if seizure safety is being practiced. At our center, we treat patients with antiepileptic medications, the ketogenic diet, and epilepsy surgery with the goal of seizure freedom to maximize quality of life. As a comprehensive treatment plan is developed and implemented, providers necessarily discuss seizure safety with patients to ensure that they are unlikely to have significant injuries with their seizures. Among these seizure safety practices are the following: taking showers instead of baths and generally avoiding open water, avoiding heights that are not enclosed to prevent fall injuries, being in a group of two or more as others might call for help if the patient has a seizure, and driving only after evaluation and clearance by their neurologist. With a comprehensive treatment plan and discussion about seizure safety, patients with epilepsy can expect an improved quality of life and are significantly less likely to sustain injuries or die due to seizures. More information about seizure safety practices and epilepsy treatments provided at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health can be found in the Seizures and Seizure Medicines: Caregiver Guide 5 ed. manual, which is free to download for patients, families, and physicians at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377267318_Seizures_and_Seizure_Medicines_Caregiver_Guide_5_ed