4 lifestyle practices to adapt to and manage seizures

In honor of International Epilepsy Day, let’s take a look at some lifestyle tips to keep in mind to live a better and healthier life.

Epilepsy is a neurological disease in which the activity of nerve cells is impaired. This confusion often causes epileptic seizures. Epilepsy Day is celebrated on the second Monday of February every year to raise awareness about epilepsy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Epilepsy is a chronic, non-communicable brain disease that affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. Epilepsy can affect only one part of the body. It is characterized by repeated attacks, which are short episodes of sexual involuntary movements () or systemic (generalized), sometimes with loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

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A seizure episode is the result of excessive electrical discharge in a group of brain cells. Different parts of the brain can be the location of such discharges. Seizures can range from a very brief loss of attention or muscle spasms to severe, long-lasting spasms. The frequency of attacks also varies from less than once a year to several times a day, the WHO says.

Living with this condition can be both mentally and physically challenging, but it can be managed to improve your life. Here are some lifestyle habits to help you adapt to and manage epileptic seizures.

4 Lifestyle habits to manage seizures

Regular sleep schedule: Usually 6-7 hours of quality time is recommended for everyone. However, a proper and healthy lifestyle is important for people with epilepsy. If sleep patterns are disrupted for a long time, seizures can occur. The right environment for a relaxing and restful night is essential.

Stress management: It’s important to avoid potential triggers, and stress is one of them. It’s important to develop habits that reduce stress, such as meditation and deep breathing.

Stay active: Regular exercise is an important part of a daily healthy lifestyle. It not only reduces stress but also releases happy hormones that help maintain healthy mental health. It also improves brain function. However, it is also important to consult a professional trainer or medical professional about the optimal training routine for him.

Healthy diet: It’s no surprise how important a healthy diet is to a healthy life. You should be wary of diet triggers such as dairy products and caffeine. Take the help of an expert to create a proper meal plan for best results.

These are regular lifestyle habits you should cultivate for a healthier life. But in addition, you need to have a seizure response plan in place, and it’s important that your friends and family are properly aware of epilepsy and how to deal with it. Shame and stigma should not surround it.