Staying Safe If You Have Seizures

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Most seizures are not dangerous in themselves, but they may lead to injuries.

During a seizure, you might get hurt by:

• Losing consciousness while doing something
• Falling down
• Choking on your own saliva or vomit

You can learn more about seizures on the DDS SafetyNet.

You could get hurt if you have a seizure while:

• Taking a bath or shower
• Cooking
• Driving
• Doing anything that requires lots of concentration

You can take steps to protect yourself at home when you have a seizure.

Leave doors unlocked so someone can reach you during a seizure.

• Put up signs if you want privacy in the bathroom or bedroom.

Cover floors with carpet and padding in each room – including the bathroom.

Put padding around sharp edges of tables, counters and furniture.

Protect yourself at home:

• Put safety gates at the top of stairs.
• If you smoke, try to quit! Never smoke while by yourself.
• Select chairs with arms to prevent falling.
• Put guards around fireplaces.

Stay safe in the bathroom:

• Take showers instead of baths.
• Install grab bars around the bathtub or shower.
• Use hand rails and nonskid strips in the tub or shower.
• Use a hand held nozzle and sit in a shower chair instead of standing.
• Avoid using electrical appliances.

Stay safe in the bathroom:

If you fall or lose consciousness in the shower, you could accidentally drown or be burned by the hot water. To protect yourself:

• Check the tub drain regularly to make sure it’s clear.
• Set your water heater temperature low (120 degrees) to avoid being burned.

Stay safe in the kitchen:

• Hot food or liquids can splash and burn you or someone else if you fall or lose consciousness while cooking. To protect yourself:
• Cook only when other people are around.
• Try to avoid carrying pots of hot foods or liquids. Slide food along the counter or use a cart instead.

Stay safe in the kitchen:

• Use back stove burners instead of front ones.
• Use a microwave oven for cooking instead of the stove.
• Use plastic dishes, cups and containers instead of china or glass to avoid breaking dishes.
• Use cups with lids to avoid spills.

Stay safe in your bedroom:

• Keep sharp or dangerous objects away from the bed.
• Use a low bed frame or a futon.
• If you have frequent seizures at night, try to make sure someone is nearby who can hear if there’s a problem.
• Consider using an intercom so others can hear you when you are asleep.

Stay safe outside your home:

• Don’t drive unless you have a license and permission from your doctor.
• Use public transportation or paratransit services.
• When waiting for a train or bus, stand away from the curb or platform edge.
• Use an elevator instead of a steep set of stairs or an escalator.
• Try to take a friend along when you travel.

Take other steps to protect yourself:

If your doctor gives you medicine to control seizures, make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

Know what things trigger your seizures and try to avoid them.

• Get lots of rest.
• Exercise to reduce stress and stay healthy.

Take other steps to protect yourself:

Know what to do when you think you’re about to have a seizure.

• Tell someone.
• Lie down on your side on a soft surface.

Teach other people how to keep you safe during a seizure.

Check out these resources for more on how to stay safe if you have seizures:

Safety and Seizures

Safety