General Guidelines For A Case Of Epilepsy
- By B Krishan
- Published 02/1/2008
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- Unrated
B Krishan
Author's Sites: http://www.easyhomeremedy.com , http://shabi-home-remedies.blogspot.com , http://myshabi.blogspot.com
View all articles by B Krishan
Falsely, a fear always exists in a patient that he may get a sudden attack of epilepsy anywhere and at any time. But this is not true, since in the majority of the cases the attacks of epilepsy are effectively controlled with proper medication, and the patient gets permanent remission after the treatment is over. Hence there is no reason that the patient should be in undue panic unduly. He should lead a normal life in all respects.
This uncalled-for apprehension of the patient can only be eliminated by the physician through constant counseling, and many a time the whole family may need to be guided about the true nature of the disease, in a particular case. This is of utmost significance in the treatment of epilepsy. The patient must be educated/motivated regarding all the aspects of the disease in detail, especially the preventive part.
As soon as the attacks are controlled with the therapy initiated, the patient should feel perfectly safe, although he needs to take the necessary precautions, depending on the profession of the person. A factory worker has to guard himself against injuries while working on various machil1es. Similarly, a labourer, or any other worker, has to be vigilant. Such professions may have to be avoided by the patient, to be on the safe side. However, it depends from case to case, and, above all, on the advice of the physician.
Similarly, a taxi driver / or any driver may find difficulty in continuing with his job. In some countries, driving is not permitted for six months, or even for two years after the patient is free from attacks. However, again, things vary from patient to patient.
Another important point to follow is that a patient of epilepsy should strictly follow his daily routine a
s regards his timing of food, work, sleep, etc. He should not keep awake the whole night, as may be required sometimes under certain circumstances, as far as possible. This point can be elaborated by saying that in some cases, for the diagnosis of epilepsy, when the usual EEG is normal, a sleep-deprivation (in which case the patient is instructed to remain awake the whole night) EEG is taken, which may be positive. This helps in the diagnosis of epilepsy. Hence the importance of good sleep for a patient of epilepsy.
There may be some cases of epilepsy in which attacks of convulsions occur during sleep only. In such cases, one person must sleep near the patient to avoid complications.
A patient of epilepsy should remain composed and avoid stress as far as possible. He should never feel excited.
There is no specific dietary restriction for an epileptic patient. All types of food can be enjoyed by them, unless particularly restricted by the physician due to some associated ailments, like hypertension or diabetes, etc. Hence epileptics should not worry too much regarding their food, including non-vegetarian food, although alcohol has to be avoided.
A few words may also be said about epileptic children. Parents must boost them up. Children should never feel that they cannot study or achieve something in their life, as they have developed epilepsy. Mass awareness is essential in this aspect both for parents / teachers and fellow children/ students. Such children should follow a set routine, both of study and sports. However, an epileptic child should participate in only light sports, since heavy physical exertion may not be suitable.
The children should get good hygienic food, and should have good health. Any type of infection, like a sore throat/ tonsillitis or worms infestations should be avoided. The child must attend to his school duties regularly.
This uncalled-for apprehension of the patient can only be eliminated by the physician through constant counseling, and many a time the whole family may need to be guided about the true nature of the disease, in a particular case. This is of utmost significance in the treatment of epilepsy. The patient must be educated/motivated regarding all the aspects of the disease in detail, especially the preventive part.
As soon as the attacks are controlled with the therapy initiated, the patient should feel perfectly safe, although he needs to take the necessary precautions, depending on the profession of the person. A factory worker has to guard himself against injuries while working on various machil1es. Similarly, a labourer, or any other worker, has to be vigilant. Such professions may have to be avoided by the patient, to be on the safe side. However, it depends from case to case, and, above all, on the advice of the physician.
Similarly, a taxi driver / or any driver may find difficulty in continuing with his job. In some countries, driving is not permitted for six months, or even for two years after the patient is free from attacks. However, again, things vary from patient to patient.
Another important point to follow is that a patient of epilepsy should strictly follow his daily routine a
There may be some cases of epilepsy in which attacks of convulsions occur during sleep only. In such cases, one person must sleep near the patient to avoid complications.
A patient of epilepsy should remain composed and avoid stress as far as possible. He should never feel excited.
There is no specific dietary restriction for an epileptic patient. All types of food can be enjoyed by them, unless particularly restricted by the physician due to some associated ailments, like hypertension or diabetes, etc. Hence epileptics should not worry too much regarding their food, including non-vegetarian food, although alcohol has to be avoided.
A few words may also be said about epileptic children. Parents must boost them up. Children should never feel that they cannot study or achieve something in their life, as they have developed epilepsy. Mass awareness is essential in this aspect both for parents / teachers and fellow children/ students. Such children should follow a set routine, both of study and sports. However, an epileptic child should participate in only light sports, since heavy physical exertion may not be suitable.
The children should get good hygienic food, and should have good health. Any type of infection, like a sore throat/ tonsillitis or worms infestations should be avoided. The child must attend to his school duties regularly.