Managing Seizures

 

There is no one-size-fits-all for managing seizures. Discover resources that help you properly manage, track, and lessen the chance of a seizure.

Living with epilepsy is more than just knowing your type of seizures or what medicine to take. You need to learn how to manage and respond to seizures in a variety of situations. The best way to manage your seizures is through the right preparation, the right treatment, and teamwork. This includes factors such as:

  • Your confidence in managing your seizures
  • The quality of care and communication with your healthcare team
  • Your support from your family and friends
  • Whether your team works together to set realistic goals and plans
  • Your mood and whether you feel “in control”

It’s important to stay actively involved and take charge of your treatment as much as possible. Learn how to track seizures, manage your seizure triggers, and work with your healthcare team to take control of your seizures and epilepsy.

Tracking Seizures

Seizure tracking is when you write down what happens during a seizure and when you have it. This information is very useful for your healthcare team. It can help diagnose seizures, choose epilepsy treatments, and manage side effects.

Learn how to properly track seizures

Managing Triggers

Once you start tracking your seizures, you may find that your seizures occur in a pattern or in certain situations. Avoiding these patterns can help lessen the chance that a seizure may happen.

Learn about seizure triggers and how to manage them

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Communication with your doctor goes both ways. You want answers, but your doctor and healthcare team need information from you too. It’s important to know what information you should share with your doctor.

Learn about working with your healthcare team

Responding to Seizure Emergencies

Seizure emergencies are when seizures last longer than normal or happen close together. While you can treat many seizures with medicines, it’s possible for seizure emergencies to develop. These situations require more help from doctors or caregivers than typical seizures.

Learn how to respond to seizure emergencies

Managing Epilepsy Well Network (MEW)

The Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network is a team of people who care about the health of people with epilepsy, their caregivers, and supporters. Members work together to promote epilepsy self-management research and improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy.

Learn about the Managing Epilepsy Well Network

Related Resources

Seizure Diary App

Nile's seizure diary helps you record, track, and manage your seizures and epilepsy.

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Seizure Forms

A catalogue of seizure tracking forms, questionnaires for parents, and camp forms.

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Lifestyle and Communication Toolkit

A list of self-management tools, SUDEP resources, and lifestyle and safety resources.

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Wellness Support Toolkit

Explore how we define wellness and the choices that lead to a fulfilling life.

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Seizure Medication List

In-depth information on epilepsy medications to help you choose the right one.

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Webinar: Know Your Epilepsy

A 1-hour video on the basics of seizure diagnosis, treatment, and management.

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Finding the Positive in Living with Epilepsy

Kristen was seizure free for 11 years before having a grand mal seizure. She shares her story of turning a setback into a fundraiser to help others with epilepsy. 

Read More

Find an Epilepsy Center

Epilepsy Centers provide specialized resources for seizure management. These centers have epilepsy experts that can help you explore management and treatment options.