Epilepsy

People suffering from epilepsy may experience loss of consciousness, tingling sensation, uncontrollable jerking, stiffness and twitching.

How to stop the shakes

An epileptic seizure can really shake you up, in more ways than one.

Epileptic seizures are caused by electrical malfunctions in the brain. Epilepsy has sort of the same effect as a short circuit in your car, which may cause the headlights to flicker.

There are different types of epileptic seizures. Toniclonic or grand mal, seizures cause you to lose consciousness, become stiff and jerk uncontrollably. Absence seizures cause you to simply drift into an unconscious  state for a few seconds.

While most seizures are not usually dangerous, they can be frightening. Luckily, there are things you can do to control your seizures:

Keep your distance from the television

Video devices such as televisions, computer monitors and video games have been known to trigger seizures.  While video screens don’t cause epilepsy, the may provoke seizures in people who are sensitive to the flashing lights and colors they display. The closer you are to the screen, the more sensitive you are. Sit at least six feet away from the television.

Get plenty of sleep and try to control stress.

The chances of experiencing a seizure while watching television or playing a video game are made greater by lack of sleep or emotional stress.

Wear sunglasses

People who are sensitive to video screens may also be sensitive to flickering sunlight. Wearing sunglasses or closing one eye may help.

Check the label

Some video games and computer software carry warning labels to people with epilepsy. Also, a program or game which is too complex for your television or computer may lower the frequency of the screen. The screen cannot keep up with images of the program, resulting in a jerky, flickering effect which could bring on a seizure.

Figure out if you have food triggers

Sensitivity to certain foods may increase epileptic seizures. Some people with epilepsy have noticed that foods which contain organic acids such as apples, tomatoes, citrus fruits may cause frequent attacks.

Also, foods exposed to metal during processing such as homogenized milk and food sprayed with metal-containing chemicals like pesticides and fungicides may increase attacks. The time lapse between the food and the seizures is usually about 18 to 24 hours, which may make it harder to recognize the connection.

Avoid caffeine

Excessive amounts of caffeine may make epilepsy more difficult to control, so limiting coffee or cola intake may be helpful. A recent study found that many people with severe epilepsy consumed more than 400 mg. of caffeine a day, enough to cause caffeine intoxication.

Following the above suggestions may help you to avoid  seizures and reduce your need for medication.