WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is a recurrent seizure? A seizure is an episode of abnormal brain activity. A seizure can cause jerky muscle movements, loss of consciousness, or confusion. Recurrent means you have a seizure more than once.

How is a recurrent seizure treated? You may need seizure medicine if you do not already take it. If you currently take seizure medicine, the dose or type of medicine may need be changed. You may need therapy to help manage stress, anxiety or depression. Surgery may be needed to remove a tumor or fix a problem in your brain.

How can I help prevent seizures?

• Learn how to manage stress. Stress may increase your risk for a seizure. Meditate, do yoga, or do things that help you relax. Exercise may also decrease your stress. Ask your healthcare provider what types of exercises are safe. Also ask your healthcare provider about therapy to help manage and cope with stress.
  
  
• Get plenty of sleep. Ask your healthcare provider how much sleep you need each night. Do not drink caffeine or smoke cigarettes before bed. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have trouble sleeping.
  
  
• Manage other medical conditions. Manage other health conditions that may increase your risk for a seizure. Keep your blood sugar levels and blood pressure under control.
  
  
• Do not use drugs or drink alcohol. Alcohol and street drugs can trigger a seizure. Ask your healthcare provider if you need help to quit drinking or using drugs.
  
  
• Take your medicine every day at the same time. Do not skip a dose.

How can others keep me safe if I have another seizure? Give the following instructions to family, friends, and coworkers:

• Do not panic.
  
  
• Do not hold me down or put anything in my mouth.
  
  
• Gently guide me to the floor or a soft surface.
  
  
• Place me on my side to help prevent me from swallowing saliva or vomit.
  
  
• Protect me from injury. Remove sharp or hard objects from the area surrounding me, or cushion my head.
  
  
• Loosen my clothing around the head and neck.
  
  
• Time how long my seizure lasts. Call 911 if my seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if I have a second seizure.
  
  
• Stay with me until my seizure ends. Let me rest until I am fully awake.
  
  
• Perform CPR if I stop breathing or you cannot feel my pulse.
  
  
• Do not give me anything to eat or drink until I am fully awake.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.