3 Tips To Protect Yourself When You Have Seizure Disorder
Having any type of seizure disorder can pose additional risks to your health and safety beyond the seizure itself. Finding ways to reduce your risk of injury if a seizure occurs is your best defense.
Secure Your Home
There are possibly many dangers inside your home that may increase your risk of a head injury if you have a seizure. Plush carpeting is ideal to help cushion the impact if you were to fall. Not only can the added cushion reduce impact to your head, but also injuries to bones and soft tissues. Consider investing in a padded headboard for your bed, so you are less likely to hit your head against the wall or an unpadded headboard if a seizure were to occur. If you currently have a footboard or your bed rests against a wall, be sure to add cushion to these areas as well to minimize injuries to your arms and legs.
Add corner covers to any objects inside your home that do not have rounded corners. This can include tables and cabinetry. Although objects with rounded corners continue to pose a danger if your head happens to make contact with the object, it is less likely for you to sustain a penetrating injury to your head and eyes. When possible, keep your furniture comfortably low. Avoid high-profile beds or bar stool chairs. If you happen to have a seizure while sleeping or sitting, the closer you are to the floor, the less risk of injury.
Consider Other Protection Methods
Some people who are prone to seizures, especially multiple seizures per day, might wear a helmet. This is your best defense against a head injury if a seizure were to occur and may give you more freedom to go outdoors. Ideally, you should have a medical alert button that is worn on your body. The best place for your medical alert button is on your wrist. Alert buttons designed to be worn around the neck may pose an asphyxiation risk, since they can possibly become caught on another object during a seizure.
Unfortunately, a medical alert button can only be used once you regain consciousness. If you can afford the investment, you should also considering a seizure alert monitor, which helps detect seizures and can also alert someone that a seizure has occurred. This device is ideal if you live alone or have a seizure while you sleep. Since there are additional hazards associated with a seizure, such as aspiration of vomit or choking, you want someone to be notified as soon as possible.
Invest In A Seizure Alert Dog
An important benefit of a seizure alert dog is that some dogs are specifically trained to minimize your injuries if you experience a seizure. The dog may lie next to you and act as a buffer between you and surrounding objects to minimize the likelihood of injuries to your head and body. In some cases the dog may also be trained to buffer your fall. The dog may also press an alert button or bark to gain attention if you need help. This is especially important if you live alone or are alone for many hours throughout the day. Since a significant seizure or head injury may render you unconscious for several hours, being without medical assistance for an extended time may worsen your outcome.
Some dogs are able to detect subtle smells or changes in your body that may indicate a seizure is about to occur, but this is uncommon. You may find a current companion dog, especially one you had for many years, is more likely to notice these subtle changes because they know you. If you have a companion dog, you should consider having them trained as a seizure dog. Not all dogs can be successfully trained to help during a seizure, but if your dog can be trained it is best for you and your companion animal since you have already formed a bond with them. For more information, visit a site like Seizuredog.co.
Having a seizure disorder poses many challenges in your daily life. It is best to be proactive to reduce the risk of head or body trauma during a seizure.
