The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Having a seizure at times can lead to situations that are dangerous for the patients, and even for those around them. They might be at risk of:
Falling: If you fall during a seizure, you can injure your head or break a bone. Drowning: If you have a seizure while swimming or bathing, you're at risk of accidental drowning. Car accidents: A seizure that causes either loss of awareness or control can be dangerous if you're driving, or operating machinery. Pregnancy complications: Seizures during pregnancy pose dangers to both mother and baby. Also, certain anti-epileptic medications increase the risk of birth defects. If you have epilepsy and plan to become pregnant, work with your doctor so that he or she can adjust your medications and monitor your pregnancy, as needed. Emotional health issues: People with seizures are more likely to have psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety. Problems may be a result of difficulties dealing with the condition itself as well as medication side-effects.What to do
These warning signs can be noted, tracked, and subsequently used by the healthcare team for the patient’s treatment and care.
Each time a patient experiences seizure warning signs, he or she should try to:
Keep track of what occurs and when. Share information with your health care team. Ask if these symptoms are seizures. If your team doesn’t know, is it time for testing or an evaluation at an epilepsy centre to find out? Note changes in your seizure diary, especially during medicine changes. Use the warning signs to help you prepare, stay safe, and ideally stop them. Get to a safe place before the rest of the seizure. Tell someone what is going on. Follow your seizure action plan– for example if you use medicine or some other intervention when seizures occur.The patient also can inform other people around them about what is going on. If you're concerned that something else may be wrong, or the person has another medical condition such as heart attack or diabetes, call a doctor.
- The writer is the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) National Secretary (Kenya), and an Epilepsy Awareness ambassador
Do you sleep with the door open or closed?
join