During the summer, the EPILEPSIE-France association warns of the risks of drowning incurred by people with epilepsy.
There are many examples of drowning
Every year, particularly in the summer, fatal accidents are reported. Private swimming pools, swimming in the sea or even a simple bath taken at home, in only a few centimeters of water... examples of drowning are unfortunately numerous.
Different forms of seizures
Some forms of epilepsy are more at risk than others. This is the case for seizures with loss of consciousness (often limited to a disturbance of contact or temporary confusion) and seizures with convulsions.
Disorder of consciousness
As for generalized seizures in the form of absences, these are true epileptic seizures in which the main manifestation is the disturbance of consciousness. Like others, they expose you to accidental dangers such as drowning.
Absence of warning sign
Most people with epilepsy do not feel their seizures coming: they occur suddenly without warning signs. Surveillance must be at all times.
A recommendation video
The Epilepsie-France association provides patients and families with a video “Epilepsy, Beware of water” containing its recommendations for patients and relatives, available on the association's YouTube channel.
More information on www.epilepsie-france.fr
Didier Galibert
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