Experiencing or witnessing a seizure can be a scary and traumatic physical and psychological event. Learn what you can expect after having your first seizure and precautions you can take.
Your brain is made up of neurons that communicate with each other by sending electrical signals. These signals turn on or off different areas of your brain that is required for activities like movement, speech, vision, sensation, and thinking.
Seizures are caused by the abnormal hyperexcitation of neurons which results in physical symptoms. Risk factors or predisposition to having seizures include genetics, head trauma, stroke, brain tumors, alcohol or drug withdrawals, or metabolic disturbances. Seizures can appear as a subtle staring spell or daydreaming or more dramatic with body convulsions and eye rolling.
Epilepsy is defined by at least 2 unprovoked seizures. The lifetime likelihood of having at least 1 epileptic seizure is about 9% and about 3% go on to develop epilepsy. In the United States, about 150,000 adults present annually with a first-time unprovoked seizure. The risk of a seizure recurrence is 21-45% and greatest within the first 2 years after your first seizure.
Precautions to Take After Your First Seizure
- Reduce Stress. Seizures can be triggered by stress. Helpful ways to manage your stress include keeping avoiding stressful situations, keeping a diary, meditation, regular exercise, and know when to seek help if you feel overwhelmed.
- Get Good Sleep. Lack of sleep can affect your seizures, mood, energy, and thinking. You can improve your sleep by not exercising before bed, avoiding caffeine 6 hours before bed, stop working or brain stimulating activities before bed, and keeping a regular sleep and wake hours.
- Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Drug Abuse.
- Avoid Strobe Lights or Flashing Lights.
- Driving Restrictions. The time limit on your driving restriction varies by state and ranges from 6-12 months after your last seizure.
Many people can live a healthy and fulfilling life after their first seizure as well as with epilepsy. It is important to educate your family and friends on what to do during a seizure.
- STAY with the person and start timing the seizure
- Keep the person SAFE. Protect the person’s head.
- Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware.
- Do NOT put any object in their mouth.
- Do NOT restrain the person.
More information is available on the Epilepsy Foundation website.
Make an appointment with our board-certified neurologists and epileptologists TODAY! We perform on-site electroencephalogram (EEG) testing for seizures.