By reducing excessive alcohol use, a person decreases his or her risk of seizures. However, if a person with alcoholism stops drinking completely, the risk of withdrawal seizures increases. A sudden withdrawal from certain medicines, such as phenobarbital, can also cause seizures. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's prescription for decreasing or stopping a medicine or alcohol.
Keeping blood pressure under control reduces a person's risk of seizures. It also helps prevent stroke, which can lead to seizures. People with epilepsy need to take their medicines as prescribed.
Protection against head injury is critical for all ages. Following sports safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults can prevent some injuries.
Many times, there is no way to prevent the onset of epilepsy. Once it is diagnosed, individuals can lower their risk of seizures by:
Seizures can lead to physical injury from falling. Epilepsy may interfere with school or work.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are not contagious and pose no risk to others.