Epilepsy Resources

What is epilepsy?

What is a seizure?

Managing your seizures

Epilepsy and stress

Epilepsy Management Plans

Epilepsy Medication Management Plans

The term ‘motor’ and ‘non-motor’ are often when describing seizure types. Motor relates to physical movement or motion, and seizures involving motor activity may include either an increase or decrease in muscle tone, leading to muscle twitches, jerks or contractions. Non-motor onset seizures don’t involve muscle action but may include behavioural, emotional and/or sensory activity or actions.

Some people experience non-epileptic seizures, which don’t fit into these three categories.

Types of seizures can include:

• Focal onset seizures
• Generalised onset seizures
• Unknown onset seizures
• Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

Once you know what your triggers are, you can take steps to manage them. Below are some common ways in which other people with epilepsy reduce their seizures:

Remember to take your medication

Anti-seizure medications can help prevent seizures; however, you need to take them as prescribed. Skipping or forgetting to take your medication increases your chances of having a seizure. It can also make your seizures more frequent, intense, or longer. If you find it difficult to remember your medication, simple items such as tablet boxes, timers, and alarms can help. If you are worried about your medication, talk to your specialist or pharmacist.

Get enough sleep

Not getting enough good quality sleep increases your chance of having a seizure. Wherever possible, try to reduce your late nights and keep a regular sleep pattern. If you are worried about sleep, talk to your doctor.

Manage your stress

Stress is part of daily life; however, for some people, it can trigger seizures. If you are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, talk to your doctor, as they can help you develop a management plan. Other stress management options include:

• Relaxation and breathing techniques
• Meditation
• Exercise
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other forms of psychology

Reduce alcohol

Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of your epilepsy medication. It can also interrupt your sleep and lead to missed medication. If you are worried about your alcohol intake, talk to your specialist.

Eat regularly

Some people have seizures if they miss a meal and their blood sugar drops. Try to eat at regular times and have nutritious snacks throughout the day. Eating after exercise is a good idea. Cutting back on caffeine may also help.

Exercise

Exercise is generally good for people with epilepsy. It can also be good for seizure control. In some rare cases, physical exertion (overdoing it) can trigger a seizure. Talk to your specialist about what exercise is right for you.

Be careful with illness, pain, and fever

Illness, injury, pain, and fever with a  high temperature can trigger seizures. If you are unwell or injured, try to keep your temperature down and talk to your doctor.

Understand your hormones

Female hormones can affect seizures. Some women report having more seizures during certain times of their menstrual cycle, after childbirth and leading up to menopause. If you think this may be happening with you, keep a diary and speak to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about over the counter drugs: Over the counter medications (those you can buy without a prescription) may affect your epilepsy medication. Make sure your doctor knows all the medications you are taking, including herbs and supplements.

Avoid flashing lights and complex patterns: For some people, especially children, flashing lights (photosensitivity) and visual patterns can trigger seizures. Avoid these triggers wherever possible.

Understanding what causes you stress and avoiding unnecessarily stressful situations is a good first step.

If spending time with a particular person or visiting particular places is stressful, try to limit the amount of time you spend on these activities. You may also find the following techniques helpful:

• Exercise –whether gentle or intense, is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Meditation and breathing techniques that slow your breathing rate and quieten your mind can help you to relax.
• Time management – establishing priorities and routines can reduce stress.

• Cutting back on commitments can stop you from feeling too rushed.
• Connecting with other people – can improve mood and enhance well-being.
• Psychological approaches – assertiveness training, mental imagery, anxiety management, and work on self-esteem issues can reduce stress.
• Physical approaches – massage, singing, dancing and other enjoyable activities can reduce tension.
• Talk to a qualified mental health worker.
• Getting enough, good quality sleep.
• Taking your medication on time.
• If ongoing stress is a problem for you, talk to your doctor.