Preventing Epilepsy: Head Injuries, Stroke, Infections and Pregnancy

Key points

• Certain injuries, infections and conditions can cause epilepsy.
• You can prevent some epilepsy by lowering your chances of getting them.

Prevent brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion can cause epilepsy. To prevent them:

• wear seat belts in any vehicle;
• put children in properly installed car or booster seats;
• never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• wear a helmet when biking and in certain sports;
• prevent falls, especially in adults 65 or older and children 17 or younger.

Lower your risk of stroke

Stroke can cause epilepsy. Healthy choices help:

• eat a healthy diet and keep a healthy weight;
• be physically active;
• don't smoke or use tobacco;
• avoid drinking too much alcohol;
• learn to manage stress.

Prevent cysticercosis

The most common cause of epilepsy worldwide is cysticercosis, an infection with tapeworm eggs. People swallow the eggs on contaminated food; the eggs hatch and form cysts in the brain, muscles or other tissues. Cysts in the brain — neurocysticercosis — cause epilepsy.

• Wash your hands regularly and practice good hygiene.
• Prepare food safely.
• Drink clean water — treated, bottled or boiled when traveling abroad.
• Screening and early treatment of cysticercosis can prevent epilepsy.

Get vaccinated

Recommended vaccines protect against infections that can cause seizures and lead to epilepsy.

Stay healthy in pregnancy

Some problems in pregnancy and childbirth can lead to epilepsy. Follow a prenatal care plan with your health care provider.

Sources

Based on "Preventing Epilepsy," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.