According to researchers in Mumbai, most of the people suffering from epilepsy prefer to live alone. Even if there is a chance of seizure, you can build a regular schedule on your terms.
There are many measures you can take to keep yourself as well as your closed ones prepared if you have a seizure. You need to modify your living space to raise your level of safety if you are living alone and have a seizure.
As epilepsy is a lifelong issue, lifestyle alterations might also enhance your overall health and lessen the exposure to seizure triggers.
1. Make a seizure responsive plan
A seizure response plan assists those around you guiding them what to do during a seizure. You can follow a seizure treatment guideline that is given by your neurosurgeon. This guides the group of people in your life to know what your seizures look like. It gives necessary tips, like how to place your body, if needed and when to call the doctor for help.
You must also always carry an epilepsy treatment plan with you, stick it on the fridge, or give it to closed ones. If someone sees you at the time of a seizure, they can use the information to give proper care. That can also include calling your doctor.
Once you’ve filled out the seizure response chart, you must get it checked by your doctor. They might have some important points to add to the plan to ensure your safety.
2. Prepare your living area
Little changes in your home environment can lessen the risk of physical injury at the time of a seizure. Maintain padding on pointed corners. Place non-slip carpets to avoid you from tripping on the floor.
Try to have grab bars fixed in your bathrooms to prevent you from falling. Place non-slip bathmats with a cushion to protect you from injuries if a seizure occurs in the bathroom. Prefer to have showers rather than baths, and always sit on a shower chair.
Opt for elevators rather than stairs to lessen the falling risk. To prevent you from roaming out at the time of a seizure, keep the doors closed. But make sure to give your house key to the neighbors, so that they can unlock at the time of emergency.
3. Know your triggers
Seizure activity differs a lot among individuals. Several people can link their seizure experience to a particular event. This is precious information, as you can lessen your possibility of having a seizure if you can avoid your triggers.
For instance, the following can act as triggers:
- Stress
- Menstrual cycle
- Lack of sleep
- Fever
- Alcohol or drug use
- Low blood sugar
By knowing the triggers, you can properly prepare for your own safety at the time of living alone. Regularly doing exercise is one of the best ways to lessen the stress, which will ultimately reduce the chances of having a seizure.
4. Make lifestyle alterations
Maintaining proper attention to the overall health can go a long way to lessening seizure activity. The doctor suggests getting enough sleep, nutrition and regular exercise. If you’re consuming medicines, continue to do so as it can assist you in staying safe.
Try to do some work and stay engaged with your family and friends. You might not be permitted to drive. If this is the scenario, you can use public transport to perform activities.
5. Put an emergency device
Wearing an emergency alert bracelet can allow those around you know what’s happening if you go through a seizure in public. Whereas at the time you wander out alone, you have to ask for help in other ways. Opt to buy a commercial alarm device or subscribing to an emergency response service.
This way, you can call your closed ones for help at the time of a seizure. By talking with neighbors, friends and family, you can make sure that you have support from your loved ones and closed ones.
By taking care of your entire well-being and making lifestyle alterations to reduce the risk of seizure, you can live independently with epilepsy.