Seizure Safety Tips for Summer
Changes in the seasons can provide unique challenges to people with epilepsy. Seizure patterns can be affected by heat, dehydration and changes in daily routines. Some medications may decrease your ability to sweat and increase a chance of overheating while other medications can make your extra sensitive to sun exposure.
IMPORTANT
Check with your health care provider to find out if YOUR medications may be affected by the sun or may change your ability to adjust to the warmer weather.
Warm Weather Tips
If your seizures are triggered by an increase in temperature consider wearing a cooling vest, or a neck cooler, when outside.
If you have photosensitive seizures consider wearing protective gear like polarized, blue tinted sunglasses.
Hydration Happiness
Hydration is the process of drinking water to help your body function properly. Dehydration happens when you lose more water than you take in during activity. As you participate in activities and hikes, you lose water through sweat. Drink lots of water before you start to feel thirsty. This will help prevent your water level from dropping too low. Losing more water than you take in can contribute to seizure activity, so resting and hydrating is important.
Sun Safety
Apply sunscreen every morning, regardless of the weather, as UV rays reach the earth even during cloudy or hazy days. The product needs time to absorb into the skin. Try not to spend too much time outside when the sun is the strongest and stay under shaded areas when possible. Wear lightly colored and breathable cotton fabrics if you can.
Sleep Schedules
With longer days of sunlight, it is tempting to stay up later and rise earlier. Remember that changes to sleep schedules can be a seizure trigger.