Primary prevention
Absence seizures are mostly presumed genetic in aetiology and therefore not preventable. However, several causes of epilepsy are potentially preventable, including perinatal insults, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and central nervous system (CNS) infection. Perinatal insult and TBI cause a similar proportion of epilepsies in high-income countries and lower- and middle-income countries, whereas CNS infection is a more common cause in lower- and middle-income countries. Public health measures aimed at preventing epilepsy include maternal and child health care, immunisations, public sanitation, and brain injury prevention.[28]
Secondary prevention
Avoidance of precipitating factors is advised. A regular sleep schedule is encouraged, as seizures are associated with sleep deprivation. Alcohol, multiple illicit drugs, and certain prescription drugs can also provoke seizures.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer