bipolar disorder
Posted by on Thursday, 22nd November 2012
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes extreme changes in mood, thinking, and behavior. There are usually two phases, a manic phase and a depressed phase. In the manic phase you feel highly energized and are very active. In the depressed phase you are very depressed. Most people with bipolar disorder have these severe mood swings many times during their lives. Some people have mostly manic phases. Others may have mostly depressed phases. Some people have a mix of manic and depressed symptoms. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic-depressive disorder.
Bipolar disorder may last a lifetime. Symptoms tend to get worse if not treated. Follow the treatment prescribed. Bipolar disorder can be managed even if it is not cured.
What is the cause?
About 1% of people develop bipolar disorder. It usually begins during the young adult years. About as many men as women get bipolar disorder.
The exact causes of the disorder are unclear. However, it does run in families. If you have relatives with bipolar disorder, you are more likely to have it.
Parts of the brain may not work normally during manic and depressive episodes. But exactly what triggers these switches is unclear.
If you are a woman, episodes may be more likely right before your monthly period or after the birth of a child.
What are the symptoms?
During a manic episode you may:
Have a very high sense of self-worth and a feeling of being "on top of the world."
Be very talkative and talk fast, maybe so fast that others have trouble following what you are saying.
Have racing thoughts and ideas to the point of being disorganized and muddled.
Have trouble concentrating and jump between different ideas.
Be very restless and hyperactive.
Have more feelings of anxiety and panic.
Go for days with little or no sleep and not feel tired.
Be very irritable and get into fights with others.
Have bursts of high interest in sex and sexual activity.
Be too active and act recklessly. For example, you might spend all your money, or take a sudden trip without planning.
If you have a very intense episode, you may also have symptoms like confusion, delusions (ideas that aren't true), or hallucinations (see or hear things that are not there).
A manic episode may be followed by a period of normal mood and behavior or a period of depression.
During a period of depression, you may:
Feel hopeless or just not care about anything.
Be irritable.
Have trouble falling asleep, wake up very early, or sleep too much.
Notice increases or decreases in your appetite and weight.
Notice a lower energy level, although you may sometimes feel overexcited.
Lose sexual desire and function.
Feel worthless and guilty.
Have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
Have unexplained physical symptoms.
Think often about death or suicide.
These symptoms may last for days or weeks. Rapid cycling patterns are defined by 4 or more mood disturbances (major depressive, mixed, manic, or hypomanic episodes) in a year.
You may also have what is called a mixed episode. A mixed episode is mania with depressed symptoms at the same time. In a mixed episode you may be overly active, withdraw from others, feel worthless, and cry often.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or mental health therapist will ask about your symptoms and any drug or alcohol use. You may have lab tests to rule out medical conditions such as thyroid gland problems.
How is it treated?
Medicines are the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder. If an episode is severe, you may need to spend some time in a hospital.
Medicines
Several types of mood stabilizing medicines can help treat bipolar disorder. Your healthcare provider will work with you to carefully select the best one for you.
Sometimes you may need other medicines. Your provider may prescribe an antidepressant, an antipsychotic, or an antianxiety medicine. However, it is possible that symptoms may become worse if you take antidepressants.
There are no nonprescription medicines for bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy
Counseling and psychotherapy are usually very helpful. They help you learn how to maintain a positive lifestyle and attitude, which can reduce your episodes.
Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments
Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce symptoms of depression. No herbal or natural remedies are effective in treating bipolar disorder.
Controlling stress, keeping to a regular sleep schedule, having friends or family to support you, and being more relaxed may help manage manic or depressive episodes.
How can I take care of myself?
Take your medicines every day , even if you are feeling well. Stopping your medicines when you feel well may bring about episodes.
Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax, for example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, because they can make your symptoms worse. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
Check your medicines. Check with the healthcare provider treating you for bipolar disorder before you take other medicines to make sure there is no conflict with your bipolar medicines.
Get support. Talk with family and friends. Contact organizations such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), and the Mental Health America for information and support.
Watch yourself for the beginning signs of a manic or depressive episode. Ask others around you to also watch closely.
When should I seek help?
If you are showing the signs of either a manic or depressive episode, seek professional help quickly. Do not try to treat your illness by yourself. Professional treatment is necessary. If bipolar disorder is not treated, it tends to get worse. The mania and depression can be more severe and episodes happen more often. Most of the time, you will feel much better after a few weeks of treatment.
Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or harming others. Also get emergency help if manic behavior becomes so wild that it endangers you or others.
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EEG
Posted by on Thursday, 22nd November 2012
What is an EEG?
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test that records the electrical activity of your child's brain. (The nerve cells in your child's brain work by carrying tiny electrical charges.)
When is it used?
An EEG can help your child's healthcare provider diagnose medical problems such as:
epilepsy
sleep apnea or other sleep problems
encephalitis (infection in the brain)
brain tumors
An EEG can help healthcare providers decide on the best medicine to treat epilepsy. This test is sometimes used during surgery to check the effect of anesthesia. It may be used to test for brain death in cases of severe injury or illness.
How do I prepare for an EEG?
Your child's head doesn't need to be shaved for an EEG. Some EEG labs ask that your child's hair be clean and free of hair products such as hairspray or mousse. On the day of the EEG, your child should not have any drinks that containe caffeine (such as sodas, sports drinks, or tea).
Ask your child's provider if there are any special instructions your child needs to follow. Also ask if there are any substances or medicines that your child should avoid before the test.
Sometimes a sedative is given just before the test to help your child relax during the EEG.
What happens during the test?
An EEG normally takes 45 to 60 minutes. During the test your child will relax in a bed. Small metal plates (electrodes) are pasted or taped to your child's head. The electrodes send information to a machine that records brain waves on paper. Young children do not like the feel of the electrodes, but it doesn't hurt except when the electrodes are removed.
EEGs may be done while your child is:
sleeping (Your child may be given a medicine to help your child sleep).
resting with eyes closed (for babies, this may be done by placing a hand over the baby's eyes and playing peek-a-boo)
resting with eyes open
breathing rapidly (and just after)
looking at a flashing light.
The EEG records how the brain responds to these changes. Your child may have a video EEG instead. This gives more time to study the brain waves. A video EEG may take 6 to 8 hours, or be done for 24 hours.
What happens after the test?
Your child can usually go home as soon as the test is done.
What are the benefits and risks of this test?
This test helps your child's healthcare provider diagnose certain medical conditions. There are no risks.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call your child's provider right away if your child has any change or worsening of symptoms after the test.
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tension headaches
Posted by on Thursday, 22nd November 2012
What is a muscle tension headache?
A tension headache is a headache caused by tense muscles in the scalp or neck. Muscle tension headaches are a common kind of headache. These headaches give a feeling of tightness around the head. The neck muscles also become sore and tight. Tension headaches can be caused by staying in one position for a long time, such as reading, playing video games or using a computer. Many children get tension headaches as a reaction to stresses (such as pressure for better grades or family conflicts).
How long does it last?
Muscle tension headaches usually last from a few hours to a day and tend to return.
How can I take care of my child?
If your child has been checked by your healthcare provider and has muscle tension headaches, try the following to help ease the pain:
When a headache occurs, your child should lie down and relax.
Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as soon as the headache starts. The medicine is more effective if it is started early.
A cold pack applied to the skin often helps.
Stretch and massage any tight neck muscles.
If something is bothering your child, help him talk about it and get it off his mind.
How can I prevent muscle tension headaches?
Teach your child not to skip meals. Doing so can bring on headaches.
See that your child gets regular exercise, which can release natural painkillers (endorphins).
Teach your child to take breaks from activities that require sustained concentration. Encourage your child to do relaxation exercises during the breaks.
Teach your child the importance of getting enough sleep.
If overachievement causes headaches, help your child get out of the fast track.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
The headache is severe AND constant.
Your child has trouble seeing, thinking, talking, or walking.
The neck is stiff.
Your child is acting very sick.
Call during office hours if:
Headaches are a recurrent problem for your child.
You think blocked sinuses may be causing the headache.
The headache has lasted more than 24 hours even though your child has taken pain medicines.
You have other concerns or questions.
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migraine headache
Posted by on Thursday, 22nd November 2012
What is a migraine headache?
A migraine headache is a specific kind of headache that can last for hours to days. It can cause intense pain as well as other symptoms. For example, you may feel sick to your stomach or have changes in your vision just before or during the headache.
How does it occur?
The exact cause of migraines is not clear. Most experts think migraine attacks start with abnormal activity in the brain. They may be related to a problem with the blood flow in your brain, or they may happen with changes in brain chemicals. Migraine headaches often are triggered by specific things. Common migraine triggers include:
stress
tiredness
changes in the weather
certain foods, such as wine, cheese, or chocolate
MSG or food preservatives, such as nitrates
red wine
some medicines
bright lights.
Migraines tend to run in families. They affect women 3 times more often than men. They often happen right before or during a woman's menstrual period. Or they may happen when a woman is taking birth control pills or hormone replacement pills.
What are the symptoms?
Before a migraine starts, there is often a warning period when you don't feel well. Some people have vision changes before their head starts hurting. They lose part of their vision or see bright spots or zigzag patterns. These warning symptoms are called migraine aura. The vision changes of the aura usually go away as the headache begins.
Migraine symptoms may include:
throbbing or pounding headache
pain that gets worse with physical activity
extreme sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds
nausea
vomiting
The pain is usually more severe on one side of the head, but it can affect the whole head.
Sometimes a migraine can cause symptoms such as numbness or even weakness. However, these can also be symptoms of a stroke. If you have these other symptoms along with problems with your vision, do not assume a migraine is the cause. Call your healthcare provider right away.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. There are no lab tests or X-rays for diagnosing migraine headaches.
A careful history of your headaches is very helpful. Your healthcare provider may ask you to keep a headache diary in which you record the following:
date and time of each attack
how long the headache lasted
type of pain (for example, dull, sharp, throbbing, or a feeling of pressure)
location of pain
any symptoms before the headache began
foods and drinks you had before the headache began (This should include checking the ingredients in the product ingredient list of packaged foods you have eaten. Saving the labels of the foods or drinks might be a good way to record this information.)
use of cigarettes, caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated drinks before the headache began
time you went to bed and time you got up before the headache began
if you are a woman, the dates of your menstrual periods and use of birth control pills or other female hormones.
Depending on your headache symptoms and physical exam, your provider may recommend tests to check for other, more serious causes of your symptoms. For example, you may have a brain scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
How is it treated?
You may be able to stop mild migraine headaches by taking nonprescription pain-relief medicine when you start to have symptoms. Aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine, ibuprofen, and naproxen have all been shown to be effective. You may find that any one of these medicines alone will treat your headache. Even just a caffeinated drink may help. However, some studies have shown combinations to be more effective and to work faster. Excedrin Migraine is an example of such a combination. It includes acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Other combination drugs, such as Midrin, are available for mild to moderate headaches with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto-Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). NSAIDs may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take NSAIDs for more than 10 days for any reason.
Other medicines your healthcare provider may prescribe to help keep headaches from getting severe once they start are:
A group of drugs called triptans, which are available as tablets (including some that may be taken without water), a shot, and a nasal spray. Examples of triptans are naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan.
Ergot medicines such as dihydroergotamine (DHE) or ergotamine. These medicines are available in various forms, including pills you swallow or put under your tongue, nasal spray, rectal suppositories and shots.
It's best to take these medicines as soon as possible after a headache begins. This means you need to recognize the warning symptoms.
If you have frequent migraines (3 or more a month), you may need to take other medicine every day to prevent severe and frequent headaches. Examples of drugs your provider may prescribe for this purpose are:
antiseizure medicines (divalproex sodium/valproate, gabapentin, or topiramate)
antidepressants (tricyclics, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or doxepin)
some beta blockers (such as atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, or timolol)
some calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil).
Women who have migraines triggered by their menstrual cycle may take preventive medicines for a few days around their period. Medicines that may be recommended are NSAIDs, triptans, and ergots. If these medicines do not work, hormone (estrogen) therapy may be helpful. Hormone therapy may also be helpful for women who have migraines during or after menopause. However, there is an increased risk of stroke for women with migraines who use birth control products (contraceptives) that contain estrogen.
You may need to take preventive medicine for several weeks before you know if it is helpful for you.
If you are planning to get pregnant, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about whether the medicines you have been prescribed are safe during pregnancy. If they are not known to be safe, you will need a different treatment plan while you are trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
How long will the effects last?
The headache may last from a few hours to a few days. You may tend to get migraines for the rest of your life. However, many people find that they have migraines less often as they get older.
How can I take care of myself?
When you have a migraine:
As soon as possible after the symptoms start, take the medicine recommended or prescribed by your healthcare provider.
If you can, rest in a quiet room until the symptoms are gone. The pain may go away with sleep.
Put a cool, moist washcloth on the painful side of your head. You might also try a heating pad set on the lowest setting.
Don't drive a car while you have the headache.
You can make your migraines easier to take care of. Learn to become aware of your early warning signs of headache. You will need to pay close attention to your body to be aware of these signs. When the warning signs appear, try going to a quieter place and doing relaxation exercises. This early care can make a big difference in how easily you can get over the migraine.
If your symptoms don't get better when you take medicine, make another appointment with your healthcare provider. It may take several visits to find the best way to control your headaches. Also, if you are having headaches more often, make a follow-up appointment with your provider to see if something has changed or you need more testing or preventive medicine.
Call your healthcare provider right away if:
Changes in your vision do not go away.
You have symptoms that are not usually part of your migraines, such as:
trouble talking or slurred speech
arm or leg weakness
You have other symptoms such as:
fever
stiff neck
repeated vomiting for several hours
numbness or tingling in your face, arms, or legs
You are pregnant and your headache is particularly bad or it seems different from your usual migraines, particularly in the last half of pregnancy. This is especially important if you have problems with your vision such as flashing lights, difficulty focusing or blurriness, any nausea or vomiting, or weakness in any part of your body. These may be signs of a pregnancy problem that needs immediate attention.
How can I help prevent migraine headaches?
Prevention is an important part of treatment. To help prevent migraine headaches:
You may need to take medicine prescribed by your healthcare provider.
You may need to avoid certain foods or activities suggested by your headache diary as possible triggers of headaches. Common food triggers are:
citrus fruit
chocolate
cheese and other preserved or aged foods containing tyramine, including leftovers held for more than 1 or 2 days at refrigerator temperature
sodium nitrate (found, for example, in food coloring, preservatives, processed meats and fish, hot dogs, and luncheon meats)
monosodium glutamate "MSG" (found, for example, in Chinese food, pepperoni, and many processed foods)
red wine and beer
the artificial sweetener aspartame
Ask your provider about avoiding medicines that may trigger headaches.
If you are taking birth control pills or other female hormones, ask your provider if you should stop taking them.
If you smoke, stop. If someone else in your household smokes, ask them to smoke outside. Cigarette smoke can make your symptoms worse.
Eat healthy meals at about the same time each day. Don't skip meals, especially breakfast.
Get regular rest and exercise.
Try to reduce stress. Relaxation exercises and biofeedback may help you manage stress.
Limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
For more information, call or write:
American Council for Headache Education (ACHE)
Phone: 800-255-ACHE (255-2243)
Web site: http://www.achenet.org
National Headache Foundation
Phone: 800-843-2256
Web site: http://www.headaches.org
(includes more information about diet)
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epilepsy
Posted by on Thursday, 22nd November 2012
August 1, 2012 · by deemagclinic · in Uncategorized · Edit
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a symptom, not a disease. It happens when nerve cells in the brain don’t work right and there is a sudden abnormal electrical signal in the brain. The seizure can cause strange sensations and behavior. Sometimes it causes muscle spasms and a change in or loss of consciousness.
The 2 most common types of seizures are:
focal or partial seizures, which begin in just a part of the brain but sometimes may spread to involve all of the brain
generalized seizures , which seem to involve all areas of the brain from the start of the seizure.
A common feature of partial seizures is the sensing of something that others are not aware of. For example, you may see flashing lights, have a particular taste in your mouth, or hear noises not seen or heard by others. Sometimes partial seizures also cause some numbness or jerking of the limbs. You may be awake and remember what happened, or you may lose consciousness for a short time.
There are 2 types of generalized seizures based on the pattern of the attack:
A grand mal seizure is a seizure that starts with a loss of consciousness and falling down, followed by a brief period of rigid muscles and a 1- to 2-minute period of violent, rhythmic jerking. The seizure ends with a few minutes of deep sleep before you are conscious again. You will probably not remember the seizure. You may be drowsy for hours after the seizure.
An absence or petit mal seizure is a short period of staring, fluttering eyelids, or twitching of muscles in your face. You do not lose consciousness. You are awake, but you are not able to understand what is going on around you. It’s not possible to pay attention at work or school when you are having petit mal seizures. You will probably not remember the seizure. Petit mal seizures usually begin when you are a child. Each seizure may last only 10 to 30 seconds, but hundreds may happen each day.
One seizure right after another or one very long seizure is called status epilepticus. The symptoms are usually those of a grand mal seizure. This can be life threatening because it can keep you from getting enough oxygen. It is a medical emergency.
If you have had several seizures and no cause can be found that can be corrected with treatment, your healthcare provider may diagnose seizure disorder, which is also called epilepsy.
How does it occur?
Seizures can happen for many different reasons, but most seizures have no known cause.
Seizures can be a symptom of many diseases and conditions, including:
head injury
brain injury at birth
brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
brain tumor
stroke
drug and alcohol abuse
withdrawal from alcohol and drugs such as narcotics, cocaine, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills
metabolic imbalances, such as low blood sugar or low blood sodium.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of a seizure can include:
aura, a peculiar sensation that occurs just before a seizure and may give you warning that a seizure is about to happen (for example, you may see flashing lights or hear noises)
rapid eye blinking or staring
twitching of the face
smacking of the lips
shaking or jerking of the arms and legs
stiffening of the body
crying or moaning
hallucinations, which may be visual or involve other senses such as hearing, touch, or taste
intense feelings of fear or déjà vu (the feeling that what you are experiencing has happened before even though you know it hasn’t)
loss of consciousness
loss of control of your bladder muscles so that you wet yourself
loss of bowel control
falling suddenly for no clear reason
not responding to noise or words for brief periods
appearing confused or in a haze
nodding the head
breathing problems from choking on food or saliva
vomiting.
You may be drowsy for several minutes after the seizure.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and take your medical history. You may have blood tests and one or more of the following safe and painless tests or scans to look for possible causes of your seizures:
EEG, which measures electrical activity in the brain
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, which uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce a picture of the inside of your head
CT (computed tomography) scan, in which X-rays are taken of your brain at different angles and then combined by a computer.
How is it treated?
The treatment for seizures depends on the cause. If you have a medical problem that is causing the seizures, such as diabetes, you will be treated for that problem.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe an anticonvulsant drug. This medicine will help prevent seizures. Your healthcare provider will adjust the dosage to minimize any side effects from the drug. If you keep having seizures while you are taking medicine, your healthcare provider will:
Check the level of the medicine in your blood.
Make sure you are taking your medicine as prescribed.
Make sure you aren’t drinking alcohol or using illegal street drugs.
Check to see if you are taking other medicines that may interfere with the anticonvulsant.
Medicine is the main treatment for seizures, but several new treatments are being evaluated. These include:
surgery on the area of the brain where the seizures occur
stimulation of a nerve in the neck by a device placed under the skin.
How long will the effects last?
It is not possible to know how long seizures will be a problem for any one person. Absence seizures often stop by the time you are an adult. You may keep having other types of seizures. Depending on the type of seizures you have and how often you have them, after a time your healthcare provider may recommend that you try to slowly decrease your medicines. You usually need to have not had any seizures while on medicine for at least 3 years before this is even considered. During this time it is very important to avoid driving a car or other activities where your life or the lives of others might be in danger if you had a seizure. Never stop taking your medicine without first checking with your provider.
How can I take care of myself?
Your friends and family should know first aid for seizures and CPR. When you have a seizure, they should:
Help you lie down on a bed or the floor.
Loosen clothing around your neck and remove eyeglasses.
Not try to hold you down. If possible, they should roll you onto your left side and gently hold you there. This position will help keep you from choking on vomit if you start vomiting. Objects should be moved away from you to avoid injury.
Check to make sure you are breathing.
Not put anything in your mouth. (The risk of biting your tongue is less than the danger of inhaling or being injured by anything put in your mouth. You will not swallow your tongue.)
Not move you during a seizure unless there is danger of injury.
After the seizure is over, let you rest while you wake up.
Someone should call 911 for emergency help if you are having a seizure and:
It is the first time you have had a seizure.
You have stopped breathing.
The seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer.
You have another seizure soon after the first one stopped.
You are not fully awake within a few minutes after the seizure.
Your lips or face look blue.
You fall and hit your head during a seizure.
A seizure happens after a head injury.
If you are having a seizure and not breathing, someone should start giving you CPR and keep giving it until the ambulance arrives.
If you keep having seizures one right after another or have one seizure for a long time, it is dangerous because you may not be getting enough oxygen. It is a medical emergency and you will need help.
Ways to care for yourself include:
Follow the treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. Take medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not increase how much you take or how often you take it.
Eat a healthy diet and create a balance of work, rest, recreation, and exercise in your life.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace so others will know about your condition.
Tell family, friends, and co-workers what to do if you have a seizure.
If your seizures are not well controlled, you should avoid high-risk activities that would be unsafe if you had a seizure. Some examples of risky activities might include swimming alone, cycling on a highway, scuba diving, or skiing. Ask your healthcare provider which activities are safe for you.
Avoid high-risk jobs that involve heavy or fast-moving equipment, heights, bodies of water, or other situations where you or others might be injured if you have a seizure.
Ask your provider when you may safely drive a car again. Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for rules about reporting a history of seizures.
Keep a positive attitude and develop ways to lessen stress.
Keep all of your follow-up appointments with your provider.
Call your healthcare provider if:
You have side effects from your medicine.
You keep having seizures and you are taking your medicine correctly.
The seizures change–for example, they happen more often or last longer.
You are a woman who takes medicines to prevent seizures and you want to get pregnant or you are pregnant.
You have any symptoms that worry you.
For more information, call or write:
Epilepsy Foundation of America
Phone: 800-332-1000
Web site: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org
How can I help prevent seizures?
To help prevent further seizures:
Take your medicine as directed. Never skip a dose or stop taking your medicine without first checking with your provider.
Make sure you get enough sleep every night. Getting too little sleep can be a major cause of seizures if you have a seizure disorder.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid mood-altering drugs, including stimulants and sedatives.
If you start having a fever, lower it right away with aspirin or acetaminophen. (Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto-Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.)
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