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With appropriate treatment, many individuals affected with epilepsy can have a healthy living. Despite their seizures, they can enjoy good health.

Note: This article has been created with valuable inputs from Dr, P R Krishnan, MD (Med), DM (Neurology), DNB (Neurology), MNAMS, and Senior Consultant Neurologist at Fortis Hospitals, New Delhi.

The fear, stigma and risk of social isolation has made epilepsy an often-misunderstood condition. For some patients, managing social stigma is so difficult that the problem of epilepsy appears smaller to them. Many individuals continue to live in fear that they will have another seizure.

Impact of quality of life

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition. The impact of epilepsy is much more than only seizures. These individuals face a number of challenges in their lives. They need more care and attention from their family members which, at times, when they do not get, they face behavioural challenges, cognitive challenges and a poor emotional and mental health. Besides these challenges which become an integral part of their life, they also find it difficult sometimes to find employment. Another key aspect is the fact that there is very little understanding about this condition among the general community and the stigma associated with epilepsy can limit the opportunities for these people. For many people living with epilepsy, the misconceptions and discrimination can be more difficult to overcome than the seizures themselves.

Healthy living even with epilepsy

With appropriate treatment, many individuals affected with epilepsy can have a healthy living. Despite their seizures, they can enjoy good health. There are ways to simplify challenges you may face. Patients need to create and follow a system that will make their life easier and enable them to live as normal lives as possible. Follow your doctor’s advice and guidance and the routine he or she suggests for you.

Your actions make a big difference

Become more aware about the importance of healthy living for your overall wellness, as well as improving seizure control. Getting or keeping healthy is part of self-management or taking care of yourself.

Take your medications

Taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time every day, can be very difficult. We live in a fast-paced world and many of us are juggling multiple responsibilities. However, missing even one or two doses of your medicine can cause a seizure, so remembering to take medicine as directed is extremely important.

Maintain healthy habits to combat epilepsy

Do not skip or miss doses of your medications. Ensure that you sleep well and consume plenty of water. Focus on a healthy and balanced diet and do not skip meals. Try to reduce stress and control anxiety. Avoid alcohol and other substance abuse. Few people might need to avoid flashing lights.

Seizure safety

Familiarize yourself with the measures and first aid you need to know for epilepsy.

Manage your epilepsy in a much better way and live a healthier life.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.