There are steps that can lower the risk of epilepsy.
-
Prevent seizures that happen from head injuries by:
- Wearing seat belts
- Wearing helmets when using things like bicycles, skateboards, and skis
- Putting children in car seats
- A person who thinks they have had a seizure should get medical help right away.
-
Get prenatal care to help prevent brain damage to a growing fetus:
- Eat a healthy diet and get enough vitamins.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or use illegal drugs.
- Treat high fevers (especially in kids) with medicine
-
Take steps to prevent or control health problems, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Infections
- Any health problem that may affect or injure the brain
References
Epilepsy in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/epilepsy-in-adults. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Epilepsy in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/epilepsy-in-children. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Epilepsy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Epilepsy-Information-Page. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Seizure disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/seizure-disorders/seizure-disorders. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 03/2022
- Update Date: 04/08/2022