Preventing Epilepsy Deaths: Clinician Toolkit
Assessment & Action Guide

Accidents Related to Seizures

Patients need to be assessed for the following at their initial visit, annually and at times of life transitions.
1
Screen patients for occupational and recreational activities that are associated with high risk of accidental injury during seizures.
Clinician actions
  • Counsel patients, parents, and caregivers on the risks of injury that could occur if a seizure happened while bathing, swimming, or doing other activities near water, near open flames or heated surfaces, falling from a high height, operating heavy machinery, and exercising/participating in sports, driving or operating other vehicles, and ways to mitigate these risks.
2
Assess patients who are driving.
Clinician actions
  • Counsel patients and caregivers on state laws for driving with epilepsy, if applicable.
Conversation tips
Learn how to discuss accident risks with your patients