 |
|
|
|
 |
|
| Wondering when to be cautious? Which activities are right for you? And when you can move full force ahead? Read on to find out what's best for you. |
|
|
|
| Make the most important home improvements |
|
| First, you should know that every home has 2 main areas that can invite harm—the kitchen and bathroom. After a complex partial seizure, people can become confused and risk injury. There are several things you can do to decrease the chance of accidents. |
|
| Improving the kitchen |
|
 |
Use oven mitts and cook only on rear burners |
|
|
If possible, use an electric stove, so there is no open flame |
|
|
Cook in a microwave, which is the safest option. Microwave cookbooks are available |
|
|
Keep a cart in the kitchen. This lets you wheel food to the table, so you don't risk dropping hot food |
|
|
Ask your plumber to install a heat-control device in your faucet so the water doesn't become too hot |
|
|
Consider carpeting the kitchen floor. This can provide cushion if you fall |
|
|
Use plastic containers rather than glass when possible |
|
| Improving the bathroom |
|
|
Install a device in your tub and shower head that controls temperature. This keeps you from burning yourself if a seizure should occur |
|
|
Carpet the floor—it's softer and less slippery than tile |
|
|
Do not put a lock on the bathroom door. If you have one, never use it. Someone should always be able to get in if you need help |
|
|
Learn to bathe with only a few inches of water in the tub, and use a hand-held shower head. If you have many seizures, bathe while someone is with you |
|
|
| Getting in on the action |
|
| You can play sports with epilepsy. The following activities are fine if someone else is with you. (This person should know how to manage a seizure if necessary.) |
|
|
Bike riding (with a helmet) |
|
|
Horseback riding (with a helmet) |
|
|
Swimming and water sports |
|
|
| — |
sailing |
|
| — |
canoeing |
|
| — |
windsurfing |
|
|
|
| More dangerous sports are not recommended. |
|
| Shedding light on photosensitive epilepsy |
|
| You may have heard about photosensitive epilepsy—seizures brought on by television or computer screens or flashing lights. In truth, this type of epilepsy is rare. It is easily diagnosed by an EEG and can be controlled with medicine. However, when using a screen it is helpful to keep the size small, sit far away, and take regular breaks from its use. You can also prevent problems with flashing lights by covering one eye. |
|
