Pack the fun. Bring the plan.
Changes in the seasons can provide unique challenges to people with epilepsy. Seizure patterns can be affected by heat, dehydration and changes in daily routines. With longer days of sunlight, it is tempting to stay up later and rise earlier. Remember that changes to sleep schedules can be a seizure trigger.
Traveling? Check out our travel tips.
Planning to swim or participate in water sports?
Learn how to do so safely.
Have a child with epilepsy that wants to attend summer camp?
Get some peace of mind here.
Need to create or update your Seizure Action Plan?
Get your free template here.
Water Safety
Water is one of the highest-risk environments for people with seizures, making water safety precautions even more critical.
- Never swim alone; always swim with a buddy who knows your seizure history and is prepared to respond in the event of a seizure
- Choose lifeguard-supervised areas when possible
- Wear a life jacket for boating and water sports
- Avoid swimming when tired or unwell
Find other safety tips for swimming and water activities here.
Sun Safety
Sun exposure and high temperatures can affect how your body feels and functions.
Protect yourself by:
Applying sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days)
Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear, such as polarized, blue tinted if you have photosensitive seizures
Spending time in shaded areas when possible
Wearing light-colored, breathable clothing
Heat & Warm Weather Safety
Hot temperatures can increase seizure risk, especially if your body becomes overheated or dehydrated. Dehydration happens when you lose more water than you take in during activity. As you participate in activities and hikes, you lose water through sweat. Drink lots of water before you start to feel thirsty. This will help prevent your water level from dropping too low. Losing more water than you take in can contribute to seizure activity, so resting and hydrating is important.
Tips to stay cool:
- Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
- Consider cooling tools like neck wraps or cooling vests
- Watch how your body responds to heat and adjust as needed
- Some medications can reduce sweating or increase sun sensitivity
- Store medications according to instructions and avoid exposure to extreme heat
- Carry extra medication when traveling or spending long periods outdoors
- Talk to your healthcare provider about how heat may affect your medication
Know the Warning Signs of Overheating
Recognizing the early signs of heat stress can help prevent seizures and other heat-related complications. Symptoms may include dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion or difficulty concentrating, excessive sweating or signs of dehydration, and unusual fatigue or weakness. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to move to a cooler environment, drink fluids to stay hydrated, and take time to rest before symptoms worsen.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
- Make sure that your traveling companions are aware of your Seizure Action Plan.
- Ensure your traveling companions know about any Rescue Medications that you have and how to administer them.
- Talk to your friends and family about your Seizure Action Plan and how they can best support you in the event of a seizure and when it is a seizure emergency and they need to call 911.
People with epilepsy can travel. It may require some extra preparation and planning.
Summer should be a time for fun, connection, and new experiences.
With the right preparation and awareness, people living with epilepsy can enjoy the season safely and confidently.