Reducing Your Risk of Epilepsy

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.