Caring For A Person With Epilepsy: 10 Ways

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. The nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, thus causing the frequent outbursts of electrical energy. Caring for someone with epilepsy can be difficult as one does not know when or where the seizures occur. Epilepsy depends from person to person. While some people can live on their own and manage their seizures by themselves, others on the other hand may need a lot of care and attention. 

Epilepsy seizures can be different for different people. There are several reasons why a seizure can be triggered. Sometimes bleeding or haemorrhage in the brain can lead to seizures. The two major types of seizures are- 

  • Focal onset seizures- These seizures at first start in the brain and later spread to other parts of the body. A person may experience sudden movement or twitching which is out of their control. They might zone out or not remember anything after the seizure. 
  • Generalized seizures –These seizures affect multiple parts of the brain at the same time. People are barely aware of what’s happening around them. These can be dangerous and frightening to watch. 

Such sudden outbursts can make living with someone with epilepsy difficult. 

How to support someone with epilepsy?

The sudden seizures and the effect it has on the person, makes caring for them an arduous task. One needs to be calm and ready when it comes to looking after someone with this disorder. Here are a few tips that will come in handy while caring for someone with epilepsy. 

  • Always be prepared

The seizures are irregular and unpredictable, hence, it’s important that the caretaker is ready for anything that they might have to face in the future. The best way to be prepared is to know what the other person is going through. You can do this by reading more about epilepsy and talking to the doctors and gaining more information about what type of seizure the person has and what to do when someone has a seizure. 

  • First Aid 

Since the seizures are so unpredictable, it’s safer to keep a first aid box handy as the patient may hurt themselves. The first thing to do is to ease the person out of the epileptic seizure. Keep them away from other people and let them calm down. In case of any injuries, cover them up. Remove all the obstacles in front of them to avoid clashes. Practice breathing with them. If things get worse, provide them with the required medications or call for help. 

  • Observe and take notes 

As a caregiver, one of the best ways to support someone is observing their seizures. Doctors can’t be with the patient the whole day, however, as someone who is usually around the patient, you can observe them and their seizures and take notes of them. You can note down how long the seizure lasts, when and how it takes places, what triggers the seizures, etc. Maintaining a record of all these points will help you and the patient in future treatment. 

  • Medications  

It is vital that you provide the person suffering their medications on time. Ensure what dosage they’re having and at what time. It is necessary that the person suffering has their medicines on time for their effective working. Medications will help the person recover and have a better life.

  • Be supportive and encouraging

As a caregiver one of the best ways you can help a person with epilepsy, is by encouraging them. A few words of daily encouragement can help them overcome the disorder and get better. The frequent seizures have a great impact on the person and can affect them severely. Hence, it becomes necessary that you take good care of them and help them relieve their anxiety and frustration. Help them focus on the positive aspects of life and engage in activities that will keep them busy and shift their attention. 

  • Ensure they get enough rest

Seizures can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. Therefore, sleep is necessary. Ensure that the person is getting enough and sound sleep. Sleep deprivation is one of the triggers of seizures. Hence a sound and peaceful sleep is a must. 

  • Make them communicate 

Being dependent on someone and having frequent seizures can deeply affect the mental state of a person. Thus, talking to them and having a conversation can comfort the person, and help in managing epilepsy. 

  • Take care of their diet 

When a person has a seizure they’re barely aware of what happens around them. They may tend to skip their meals or ignore their diet. Some may even resort to alcohol in order to overcome this disorder. However, alcohol will only cause further damage to the patient’s body and health. 

  • Keep emergency contact ready 

Safety is of most importance. Therefore, in case of any emergency, such as times when the person has a seizure longer than usual, or anything unusual you notice, keep the emergency contact nearby. This way you can immediately call for help without wasting much time. Consult the best neurologist in Delhi for better treatment and care of a person with epilepsy. 

  • Teach them relaxing techniques

In order to get someone to overcome their seizure, you should help them relieve their stress and anxiety. Teaching them relaxing techniques will help them soothe themselves and calm them down. Stress is one of the reasons for seizures. By learning relaxing techniques such as meditation or yoga, you can ease out the stress. 

Caring for someone with this disorder can be overwhelming and exhausting. However, it is important to note that this is just as hard for them as it is for you. With proper love, care and medical attention, one can take control of their life. 

Also Read: