Nearly 9 out of 10 people living with epilepsy have at least one trigger that can potentially cause a seizure. Knowing and managing your triggers may help keep seizures under control. Stress comes in different forms and has a different meaning for everyone. It can come from a major life event or from more everyday activities that can potentially put us in a bad mood. There is no clear understanding as to why stress may trigger a seizure. Studies show that when the body experiences stress a seizure could occur. Stress generates certain hormones related to the nervous system that can impact the brain. While stress alone, can cause seizures, it can also bring about a lack of sleep which is another well-known seizure trigger. Anxiety or depression can also create stress and, in turn, cause seizures. While there is no conclusive evidence that reducing stress will reduce seizures, a recent study showed that nearly 9 in 10 people who actively managed their stress believed it reduced their risk of seizures. Managing stress is very personal and specific to your situation; however, there are some universal activities and recommendations. -Do your best to relax. Try exercise, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, a massage, cat naps, or relaxation and controlled breathing techniques. -Find ways to diffuse a situation. Keep to a daily routine. Avoid people who cause anger and anxiety. Take a break from what you are doing. Set priorities for what is important in your life and let the rest go. -Seek help. Talk to your doctor, neurologist or epileptologist. Seek counseling or psychotherapy. If you think you may have anxiety or depression, talk to you doctor about treatment options. Join a support group or online support community. Reach out to the Epilepsy Foundation affiliate near you. -When a stressful situation in life is unavoidable, make sure you are doing your best to get enough sleep and take your seizure medications on time.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:15:26 +0000