I don’t have epilepsy, but I am honored to care for many people who live with it. My hope is that everyone with epilepsy can enjoy the summer in a way that makes them happy—whether that means running, walking, or just sitting on a bench outside. Being outdoors can help with mental health, especially during summer when the weather is nice. In the upper Midwest, winters can be hard, so summer is a great chance to get outside. Of course, we all still need sunscreen, bug spray, and to check for ticks!
Summer Safety Tips for People with Epilepsy
People with epilepsy need to take a few extra steps to stay safe in the summer. Doctors and caregivers want everyone to enjoy life, and a little planning can help prevent emergencies and reduce worry. How much someone needs to plan depends on how severe their epilepsy is.
If seizures are predictable or mostly under control, fewer precautions may be needed. But if there’s still a risk of sudden seizures, it’s good to think ahead—especially for children or adults who might need emergency medicine.
Medicines and Heat
Some seizure medicines, like zonisamide and topiramate, can make it harder for the body to cool down. This means people taking these medicines might overheat more easily. Also, some seizure and rescue medicines must be kept at the right temperature, so they don’t go bad. Check the label or ask a pharmacist how to store them safely.
It is important to maintain hydration especially if it is very hot or if you have been out in the sun working and/or playing actively. A sport drink with electrolyte supplementation such as Gatorade or Powerade, would be recommended.
Travel and Epilepsy
Summer often means travel—maybe to visit family, go to the lake, or take a trip far away. When traveling, it’s smart to bring at least two doses of rescue medicine, just in case.
Travel can also mean changes in sleep, which can make seizures more likely. A good plan may be to have a rescue medication with you or your caregiver/traveling partner in case you do have a long or repeated seizure. If someone is flying a long way, we sometimes adjust when they take their medicine or even give extra doses of calming medicine (like diazepam or clonazepam) to help prevent problems from jet lag.
If you’re going to a rural area or somewhere far from your regular doctor, it’s a good idea to:
· Know where the nearest hospital is.
· Share emergency plans with the people you’re traveling with.
· Have an acute seizure action plan which your companions are familiar
· Have a rescue medication available
· Keep your epilepsy doctor’s phone number handy.
That way, if help is needed, local doctors can talk to your regular care team and give the best care possible.
Fun Activities and Staying Safe
There are many fun summer activities people with epilepsy can enjoy—with the right safety steps. Let’s look at a few examples:
Walking and Jogging
This is an enjoyable activity after being cooped up all winter. Using sidewalks if available is preferable to the roadway. As for any person, the walker should walk facing the oncoming traffic. It is wise to wear bright reflective clothing and best to do this when traffic is lighter, although maybe not in the hottest part of the day if possible. Having a friend go with you is fun and motivational and he/she can help should you have a seizure. Be sure to have some identification on yourself and have a cell phone with you as well.
Biking
Lots of people with epilepsy love riding bikes. If seizures are not fully controlled, it’s best to avoid busy roads. Thankfully, Minnesota has many bike paths away from traffic.
If someone can’t ride alone or is too young, there are great options like tandem bikes or adaptive bikes. Some adults use electric bikes to get around more easily. These can be expensive, but families often find creative ways to afford them—like fundraisers, grants, or finding used ones online. It may be useful to bike with a buddy. It can be fun for you both and he/she could help if you do have a seizure.
I remember one adult with frequent seizures who loved long bike rides. He used to fall off a regular bike during seizures, so his family got him a recumbent bike (which is lower to the ground and safer). His family always went with him and carried rescue medicine just in case. Biking helped him stay happy and healthy.
Swimming
Fewer topics create more concern than water safety and epilepsy. Swimming is fun but needs special care. Almost all my patients swim, but how they do it depends on their epilepsy.
· For those with uncontrolled seizures, swimming in a pool with a life jacket that keeps the face up is a safe choice. These are sometimes freely available at public pools but must fit properly. Swimming with a buddy is highly recommended.
· If seizures are rare or well-controlled, swimming with a buddy is still a smart idea.
· Murky water (like lakes or ponds where you can’t see the bottom) is dangerous for everyone, but especially for someone who might have a seizure and might not be easy to locate if they were to have a seizure in the water.
It’s also important to remember that seizures and water don’t just happen at the beach or pool. I’ve cared for people who almost drowned in a shower, when water built up due to the drain being blocked by their body which blocked the drain during a seizure. Always be careful with water.
In Conclusion
Having epilepsy means you might need to take extra steps to stay safe in the summer—but that doesn’t mean missing out on the fun! With a little planning, people with epilepsy can enjoy outdoor activities, feel better mentally, and stay safe. Let’s work together so everyone can enjoy the sunshine and live their best summer life.