Epilepsy Prevention

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent every type of seizure disorder. You can take steps to prevent brain injuries which could lead to seizures:

• Always wear a helmet when using bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters.
• Wear protective headgear when contact sports. This includes football or hockey.
• Dive in safe depths of water.
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Avoid using street drugs.
• Control high fevers in babies and young children.
• Get prenatal care. Make sure to follow all recommendations for the treatment of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
• Carefully treat all chronic illnesses.

If you have a very severe seizure disorder, some changes may be needed to prevent serious injuries. For example:

• Depending on the frequency of seizures, you may not be able to obtain a driver’s license
• Do not swim or bathe alone, or
• Do not work on ladders or ledges
• Certain athletic activities may need to be modified or avoided