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There are some rules which the
person with epilepsy should keep. They are not the same for all
types of epilepsy. One should therefore be careful not to be too
categorical. |
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Photosensitive epilepsy
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Some people with generalized
epilepsy are sensitive to flashing lights. Some find that looking
at the sun's reflection on water or ice can trigger seizures. People
with this form of epilepsy, photosensitive epilepsy, benefit from
using polaroid sunglasses when out of doors. |
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Television
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The same group of people can also
have seizures from watching television. Light flashing 25-30 times
per second is often the most dangerous, and that is just what
one is subjected to when watching television. A new television
set is more dangerous than an old one, as the new tube gives off
a more powerful light.
The effect of the powerful light
can be reduced if a lamp stands on, or just behind the set. In
this way the contrast between the television screen and the surroundings
is lessened. When changing channels, or going close to the screen,
the person should shut one eye so as to reduce the light's irritating
effect on the brain. Finally, it is important to sit as far as
possible from the screen, as this also reduces the light's effect.
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Discotheques
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People with photosensitive epilepsy
can also have seizures from the flashing lights often found in discotheques.
Because of this risk the police in London have laid down rules as
to the frequency at which these lights may flash. |
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Alcohol
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Alcohol can cause seizures in several
ways. If one has drunk so much that a "hangover" comes the next
day with palpitations, trembling hands, sweating, possibly nausea
and diarrhea, the risk of a seizure occurring is high. It must
therefore be stressed that a person with epilepsy should never
allow himself to get drunk. It has also been shown that alcohol
can reduce the level of antiepileptic drugs in the blood, which
can lead to seizures.
Persons with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
should be extra careful with alcohol, as even small quantities
can cause seizures. Some people with this form of epilepsy must
avoid alcohol entirely.
All in all it may be said that a
drink or two, whether spirits, beer or wine, does not harm people
with epilepsy.
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Smoking
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It has been claimed that tobacco
can cause seizures, but there is no proof of this at the present
time. |
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Low blood sugar
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It is known that too low blood
sugar can cause epilepsy. It is therefore sensible never to skip
a meal. It can also be dangerous to wait too long before eating,
specially if the delay is caused by taking part in sport. It has
been known for people with epilepsy have to be brought into the
casualty ward with seizures, because they have been playing sport
and haven't eaten. |
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Sport
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Physical stress can also cause
seizures. Persons with epilepsy can play sport, but in some people,
though not all, competitive sport may provoke seizures. You can
only find out how much you can take part in by trial and error.
Many persons with epilepsy have gone right to the top in their chosen
field of sport. |
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Stress
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Mental stress causes more seizures
than physical stress. It can be a case of expectations in a child
who is looking forward to something so much that he has a seizure.
It is sensible to distract the child, and also to explain to him
that this might happen. At examination time, people should plan
their work to avoid a too heavy workload in the days before the
test. It is seldom harmful to work concentratedly. On the contrary,
it is known that to occupy oneself with something reduces the tendency
to have seizures. If a person has seizures just before or during
an examination, it is possible for them to receive a light tranquilizer,
to reduce nervous stress. |
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Sleep
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Too little sleep brings on seizures
in many people. If they go to bed late, perhaps after a party, they
should sleep late the next morning. Too little sleep is particularly
dangerous for people with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Shift work
can bring on seizures. It is often difficult to fall asleep when
one's bedtime has been changed. It may be necessary to take a sleeping
tablet in the change over period. If that does not work, one should
consider avoiding shift work altogether. |
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Toilet and bath
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It is not unusual
for seizures to occur when one is on the toilet. This is particularly
common in people with awakening epilepsy. The toilet or bathroom
door should therefore always open outward. Otherwise it may be impossible
to get in if the person is lying on the floor, blocking the door.
Instead of a lock, an "engaged" sign can be hung on the door. People
who have many seizures should take precautions when taking a bath.
A shower is safer than a bath in a bathtub. If a bathtub is used,
it should not be too full and there should be someone close at hand
to help if a seizure should occur. |
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Swimming
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When swimming, in an indoor
pool or out of doors, there should always be someone present who
knows that the person may have seizures, and who can help him out
of the water if need be. The same applies when fishing. |
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Cycling
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Persons who have frequent seizures
should not cycle, but most others can. It is rare for seizures to
occur when one is cycling, as one is active, and concentrating.
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Keeping occupied
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It is very important that people
who receive a disability pension know how to fill their day constructively.
It is not wise to sleep late and then sit up to all hours in front
of the television set. If the person cannot occupy himself it would
be a good idea to contact a day center, where he can join in many
activities, and meet others. |
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Discrimination
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It cannot be denied that there is
still discrimination against people with epilepsy. Discrimination
is, however not as prevalent as some believe. By expecting discrimination,
many people are helping keep these old prejudices alive. It is
not uncommon to find that a person with a mild epilepsy, who is
seizure free, does not want to have it known that he has epilepsy.
More frankness will improve conditions
for all those with epilepsy. If more well-known people who have
epilepsy dared to stand up and talk about how they have achieved
what they have despite having epilepsy, it would help all those
who experience discrimination.
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School
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Discrimination is found most
often among those who know little about the subject. It can also
be found amongst children who might tend to tease and bully those
who are in any way "different". Parents should inform the school
that their child has epilepsy. The class teacher should explain
to the other children what this means, so that they can understand
that it is just something they, and the child involved, easily can
learn to live with. The situation must be put across in the most
matter-of fact and undramatic way possible. On the one hand, one
must not be over-protective, but on the other hand the child must
not be exposed to teasing or bullying. |
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Work
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The person with epilepsy should
tell those at his work place that he has epilepsy, if there is a
risk of seizures occurring at work. If seizures occur only during
sleep, it is seldom necessary to tell of it. |
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Job applications
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When applying for a job, a person
with epilepsy should, ideally, be able to say straight out that
he has epilepsy. Many people do this, and many others have to,
as a medical certificate has to be produced in many cases when
applying for a job. Others have learnt from experience that it
may be better to wait until they are known and valued at the work
place before telling. By that time they will seldom be dismissed
because of having seizures.
When discrimination arises, it seldom
comes from a wish to harm, but because of anxiety and ignorance.
It can be difficult for a person with epilepsy to understand why
others react so strongly to his seizures. It may be a good idea
for the person to see a video recording of seizures. Then they
might find it easier to understand the reactions of others.
By informing the general population
that seizures look more dangerous than they in fact are, and that
effective treatment makes seizures more and more unlikely to occur,
one can hope that conditions will improve for people with epilepsy.
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