Living With Epilepsy: Simple Tips For A Happier Life

Life with a condition such as epilepsy can be incredibly difficult. This neurological disease can make you feel like a ticking time bomb ready to go off at any moment, and it can severely impact your lifestyle and happiness. 

Epilepsy is a condition that can be tough to manage, but it is not impossible to manage it effectively and still be happy. If you are looking for a way to help you manage your epilepsy, CBD is one avenue you could explore. The CFAH website has more information on CBD and its uses and health benefits, but it has been found that it can help to treat or at least minimize the frequency and severity of seizures. You can even get in-home electroencephalogram EEG services to manage more severe cases. Today we want to share some simple tips for anyone living with this illness so that you can go on and live a normal life this year.

1. Write it down 

When you are first diagnosed with epilepsy everything will be unknown and new. It is important for you to learn quickly how to manage the illness and understand what triggers it. One of the most effective ways to keep on track of your own condition and learn your triggers is to write a diary. Whenever you have a seizure, you need to write down what you were doing before it occurred, how long it lasted, and how long recovery took you. By recording what you did ahead of the seizure you can start to identify patterns and triggers. For example, if you notice that when you watch TV you have a seizure, it could be to do with the light of the screen. Changing the type of screen you use might improve your ability to avoid a seizure.

2. Make a list when you go to the doctor

Before you head for a doctor’s appointment, make a list of everything you want to talk about. This will include how you feel physically and emotionally, and new triggers you have found, and any other symptoms you have. If you don’t record these things you are likely to forget them when you go into your appointment and this may mean those important things are not discussed. 

3. Acquire specialists 

As much as a regular doctor is fine for the job, it is always better to find a specialist who is used to dealing with people who also have epilepsy. It is helpful for you as a patient to build a relationship with your doctor and nurses and this will make it easier for you to approach them with issues and they will be able to help you in a more personal way because they will be familiar with your case. When you are in a vulnerable position and you have a health issue such as epilepsy, it is important to be able to trust the people who are looking after you and this is the best way to do it. 

4. Always take expert advice 

Whether it be for your medication or your recovery treatment, it is always important to follow the advice of your doctor. Your doctor knows best and they give you a particular set of instructions for a reason. Follow them carefully and this will ensure that you are always in control of your condition and managing it to the best of your ability.

5. Lessen the stress

When it comes to the triggers of epilepsy, it is important for you to manage them and prevent a trigger occurring. One of the biggest triggers of a seizure is stress, and sadly most of us deal with a huge amount of stress every single day. Try to learn some relaxation techniques or practice meditation to reduce your stress levels and this should help prevent you from causing a seizure. 

6. Get a good night’s sleep

Everyone needs a good shut-eye now and again, and fatigue is one of the biggest triggers of a seizure due to the impact it has on brain function. It is important for you to get at least 8 hours of sleep every single night if you are to avoid seizures. 

7. Avoid sharp temperature changes 

If you are unsure what your triggers are for causing and epileptic seizure, you should be aware of temperature changes. Any sharp change in temperature can cause a trigger in your brain as it tries to warm or cool itself down. This can, in turn, cause a seizure so it is worth being aware of this. 

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8. Avoid too much screen time 

Our phones and computers seem to be glued to our faces these days, but if you suffer from epilepsy you need to be more aware of how much you use your phone’s screen throughout the day. It is hard to see but phone screens and computer screens flicker slightly as you look at them and these flickering lights can be a massive seizure trigger. Be sure that you limit screen time and instead make the most of the world around you. It will not only prevent a seizure but it will likely make you a lot happier. 

9. Exercise

One effective way to deal with epilepsy and prevent issues is to exercise. By maintaining a healthy weight you will be less likely to suffer from health issues that may trigger seizures in the future. If you often find yourself overheating and this leads to a seizure, exercise is a way to train your body to manage temperature changes and become fitter. If hot temperatures really set you off you can simply avoid exercising in a warm place. Always drink plenty of water and this will ensure that you stay happy and healthy. 

10. Join a group 

Living with an illness such as epilepsy can be incredibly hard, and it is made 10 times harder when you are dealing with it alone. Epilepsy is not a very common illness so you will likely be the only person in your family and friend group to suffer. As much as other people can support you when it comes to your condition, they don’t understand the real impact it has and as a result, finding a group who also suffers is a great bonus. Being amongst those who also suffer can allow you to vent, and you’ll likely gain some tips and tricks for managing the illness. You don’t have to suffer alone and you can meet new friends!