Seizure Precautions: Things I Do to Stay Safe

Safety is so important. No matter how recent your last seizure was. If you are taking medication or are still diagnosed with epilepsy, you should always be prepared. Although it has been years since my last seizure, I still put safety first.

Using apps to capture emergency info

To help with this, I found an app called "Medical ID." I use the free option. What I love about this app is the different information you can answer. The categories are height, weight, blood type, medical conditions, allergies and reactions, medication list, and medical notes/additional information. I am also able to add a note that my insurance information is in my wallet.

These details are standard questions that would be asked in an emergency. It's wonderful to have an app that can provide this information if I am unable to communicate the information myself. The other benefit of this app is that it indicates even on a locked screen that there is medical information on the device. Pressing on this button with take someone solely to your medical information. Very convenient.

Carrying a card as a seizure precaution

Although I love the Medical ID app, I do have a backup option. I have purchased a card from Etsy with my medical information. It is bright red and I keep it up front in my wallet. You never know if your phone will die or be lost during a medical situation like a seizure. These potential variables made me decide to have backup information.

The card I purchased gives almost all the same information. Since it is limited to the space on the card, there isn't room to write my preferred hospital like there is on the app. However, there is enough information to keep me safe and to provide instructions for contacting my husband.

Wearing an epilepsy bracelet

For those of you who are still having active seizures, I previously used a different option. Years ago, I purchased a bracelet that indicated I had seizures. Since there wasn't an app like there is now, I would carry a little printout of my medication list. I would keep the list in my wallet by my driver's license. My bracelet back then wasn't super pretty.

However, before writing this article I looked on Amazon and Etsy. I was curious as to what options there are now. There are some very pretty options (mainly on Etsy) available. These bracelets indicate that you have epilepsy to someone who may find you nonresponsive or unable to explain this verbally.

Sharing seizure precautions at work

My final piece of advice is what I did as a manager at work. I used to post a seizure first aid guide in the breakroom. As an employee, there is the option to give a printout of seizure first aid to your manager. Your manager, no matter how much you like or respect them, doesn't want you hurt. Even if it's for a selfish reason, they are likely to post the information. It's better to ask and get a no than not ask at all.

Your safety is extremely important. Additionally, you never know if the staff's awareness of seizure safety might help another person. So many people have epilepsy, and there is a chance that these first aid techniques might help a fellow person struggling with epilepsy.

Do you use any other seizure precautions you take that you want to share? Always remember, you are not alone.