Many people with epilepsy have concerns about safety. This factsheet sets out some precautions that you can take to minimize risks. These are general suggestions and will not be relevant or necessary for everybody with epilepsy.

bathing

A shower is a safer option than a bath for people with epilepsy. Although neither is risk free, precautions can be taken to minimize risks. Showers should be in a free standing cubicle with a flat floor rather than a shower tray where water can be trapped. Taking a shower while sitting will reduce the risk of injury and a good temperature control system with a safety ‘cut-off’ point will avoid scalding. Bathroom fittings should protrude from the wall as little as possible. Where they do protrude, or where a shower is being used over a bath, the fittings can be lagged with protective material - even a towel can be effective. When a bath is used, the depth of the water should be kept to a few inches and the taps turned off before getting into the bath. You should let someone in the house know when you are having a bath or shower, not lock the bathroom door or have a lock that can be operated from the outside in an emergency. The door should be hinged outwards.

cooking

Gas and electric cookers can be hazardous in the event of a seizure. A cooker guard and chip pan with automatic thermostat will help to minimize danger. Saucepan handles should be turned away from the edge of the cooker to avoid being knocked over. Taking plates and serving dishes to the cooker rather than carrying hot pans away from it reduces the risk of scalding. A microwave oven may be a safer alternative and a toaster avoids the possibility of a grill being left on. Kettle tippers and teapot pourers are available to avoid carrying containers of hot liquid about. Some safety aids can be bought from DIY stores and, though primarily intended for child safety, they can be useful for the whole family.

electric flexes

Avoid trailing flexes, particularly those attached to appliances which could cause a fire if knocked over.

heating

Avoid free standing heaters which can be knocked over. Open fires should be protected with substantial fixed fire guards. Radiator guards are advisable as sharp edges can cause severe cuts.

flooring

Avoid hard surfaces. Carpets with high wool content are less likely to cause friction burns than those with a high synthetic content. Sealed cork, vinyl tiles, or vinyl cushion flooring can be used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

stairs/stair lifts

Where possible, housing without stairs should be chosen