October 10, 2008

Health Tip: Coping With Epilepsy

(HealthDay News) -- People with epilepsy are prone to injury in the event of a sudden seizure.

The University of California San Francisco Medical Center offers these suggestions to help reduce your risk of injury:

• Always wear or carry something that identifies you as having epilepsy --a bracelet, necklace or ID card.
• Make sure that your friends, family and co-workers know what to do.
• If you've been having seizures, avoid situations that could be dangerous, such as working in high places or swimming by yourself.
• Understand and follow state rules and laws about driving with epilepsy.
• Never stop taking your epilepsy medication or change your dose without talking to your doctor.
• In addition to your seizure medicine, never take any other medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

-- Diana Kohnle

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