Reducing Your Risk of Epilepsy
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Taking preventive measures may prevent some cases of epilepsy . These measures include:
-
Preventing head injuries by:
- Wearing seat belts and bicycle helmets
- Putting children in car seats
-
Treating a seizure properly by:
- Seeking medical help immediately after suffering a first seizure
- Taking medication after the first or second seizure
-
Getting good prenatal care to help prevent brain damage to a developing fetus:
- Treatment for high blood pressure
- Treatment for any infections
- Maintaining proper nutrition, including adequate vitamin intake
- Avoiding excess alcohol intake
- Avoiding cigarettes or illegal drug use
- Treating high fevers (especially in children) with medication
-
Taking steps to prevent or control certain medical conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Infections
- Any disorder that may affect or injure your brain
-
Avoiding:
- Illicit drugs
- Excessive amounts of alcohol
References:
Berkow R. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 17th ed. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster; 2000.
Epilepsy Foundation website. Available at: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ .
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed Feburary 2010 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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