Some types of seizures—temporary abnormal electrical signals in the brain that cause physical and emotional changes— can cause you to lose consciousness and be unable to advocate for yourself.
Under those circumstances, wearing a medical ID can save your life by providing first responders with vital information about your health history.
Here’s a quick rundown on how to choose your medical ID.
Picking the Right ID
The most important part is to pick an ID that you will be comfortable wearing every day.
If you work in an office setting, one of the fine jewelry options might be the right choice for you. If you work outdoors or get your hands dirty on a regular basis, one of the sporty bracelets or a necklace might be a better choice.
A seizure can happen at any time, so it’s always important to be prepared.
Engraving a term such as seizure disorder on your bracelet can be helpful since both first responders and bystanders will recognize it. Epilepsy is not a term that everyone will recognize.
If you carry any rescue medications for breakthrough seizures, that information should also be listed on your ID.
Common Anti-Seizure Medication
The goal of anti-seizure medication is to prevent seizures from occurring altogether. There are many different anti-seizure medications such as levetiracetam (Keppra), valproic acid (Depakote), lamotrigine (Lamictal), phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and topiramate (Topamax).
All these medications will be taken daily or twice daily to control seizures. Medications need to be taken as prescribed at the same time every day to ensure that medication levels remain steady and prevent a breakthrough seizure.
Rescue medications are those given in an emergency when a prolonged seizure occurs or if multiple seizures occur in a short time frame. They are usually benzodiazepines, with the most common being diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or midazolam (Versed).
Depending on the prescribed form, rescue medications can be administered orally, rectally, or buccally (in the space between the cheek and the gum).
Seizure First Aid
Teaching your family, friends, or coworkers about basic seizure first aid can save your life if a seizure occurs. They should not restrain your movements, place anything in your mouth, or give you mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while the seizure is occurring. Instruct them to gently turn you on your side with your mouth pointing down, place something soft like a jacket under your head if possible and always stay with you.
They should time the seizure. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, they should call 911 because you are experiencing a life-threatening prolonged seizure called status epilepticus.
Teach them to recognize the symptoms of your seizures, which can vary depending on the specific seizure disorder with which you have been diagnosed. It is normal for there to be a period of post-seizure confusion called a postictal state.
If you have any questions about selecting the right medical ID or what to engrave on your ID, please reach out to the friendly customer service staff via phone at 800.363.5985 or online chat at no charge. The available medical IDs are neatly organized into categories for men, women, and children, as well as $25 and under, fine jewelry, and accessories.
Get your ID today—it’s never too early to be prepared in case of emergency.
