The neurological condition epilepsy, characterized by involuntary seizures, affects around 65 million people worldwide. Life with epilepsy can be challenging, but it is possible to live a full, healthy life free of seizures. Here are five tips for living well with epilepsy:

Look Into Teleneurology Solutions

Teleneurology solutions involve remote healthcare options for patients with neurological conditions, including epilepsy. Teleneurology can include phone, video chat, or email consultations and is an especially helpful way to manage epilepsy since many epileptics are unable to drive. Teleneurology solutions can help provide immediate, helpful answers about epilepsy medication management and side effects, your risk of seizures, and more non-emergency health needs.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Intake

While having one or two drinks is usually okay for epileptics, excessive or "binge" drinking can be very dangerous, possibly provoking seizures. In addition, some epilepsy medications heighten the effect of alcohol, meaning that you may find yourself more easily intoxicated even while drinking moderately. For these reasons, it is very important to avoid excessive drinking and to never drive after even a single alcoholic drink while taking epilepsy medication.

Stay Well-Rested

For many epileptics, sleep deprivation or low quality sleep can trigger seizures. Getting enough quality rest is important for everyone, but especially for those with epilepsy. Be sure to invest in a high quality mattress, get plenty of exercise during the day (which helps regulate your sleep while also further reducing the risk of seizures), and talk to your doctor if you suffer from insomnia on a regular basis.

Manage Stress Levels

While specific studies on the link between high stress levels and epileptic seizures haven't been conclusive, many doctors and epileptics notice that stress seems to increase the risk of seizures. Manage your stress by making relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing a part of your daily routine, writing in a journal before bed every night, and seeking professional therapy if you experience anxiety on a regular basis.

Find a Support Group

Living with epilepsy can be frustrating because unless they have seen you have a seizure, most people in your life will see you as healthy and possibly misunderstand or underestimate the severity of your condition. It can be very helpful to find a local epilepsy support group in order to regularly be around other people sharing your experience, get advice or simply vent.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a healthy and seizure-free life for yourself.

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