Managing Epilepsy Well Checklist
Epilepsy can get in the way of life, mostly when seizures keep happening. You can learn how to manage your epilepsy to feel better and have a more active and full life. Practice these self-management strategies to better control your seizures and your health. Self-management is what you do to take care of yourself.
You manage your epilepsy well if you*:
- Know about your condition.
- Take your seizure medicines as prescribed.
- Check with your doctor before taking other medicines or supplements.
- Keep a record of your seizures and seizure triggers to track patterns and learn how to avoid seizure triggers.
- Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Exercise regularly and safely each day.
- Follow a well-balanced diet and keep a healthy weight.
- Don’t use tobacco, drink alcohol excessively, or abuse other substances.
- Practice ways to lower stress.
- Keep in touch with friends and family for support.
- Talk to your doctor about health concerns.
- Keep other health conditions in check.
- Get help for emotional problems.
- Use memory strategies to help with memory problems.
Get a printer-friendly handout [79.2 KB] of this list from the MEW Network.
How well are you managing your epilepsy?
How many of the self-management strategies listed above do you already use to manage your epilepsy?
- 0-3: You’re on your way!
- 3-5: Good job! Try to add a few more to your routine.
- 5-10: Excellent! Keep up the good work!
- 10 or more: You manage your epilepsy well!
Practicing self-management and still having seizures? Talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
*Modified from Self-Management Goal Sheets. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2014.