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/ .

Revision Information

Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
Review Date: 03/2013
Update Date: 00/31/2013

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.