Journaling Your Personal Seizure Activity

Seizure counting does not require specialised equipment or tests and is entrusted to patients or caregivers, commonly using a seizure diary. Days of seizure occurrence is one of the three most important pieces of information that must be captured in a standardised seizure diary.

How do I use seizure diaries? Which one should I use?

• The diary or calendar should be easy enough so you can use it on a regular basis – every time you have a seizure.
• It should be one that you can easily share with your doctors, nurses, and other caregivers if needed.
• Since many people don't know what happens during their seizures, diaries should be available for others to write down what they see as well.

• Examples of Seizure Diaries

  Some people like to write in a journal, while others like forms that can be easily copied. Computers and other technology may let you record seizures on your computer, phone or other electronic device. Seizures can be tracked on a calendar – these make it easy to see when they occur and track patterns. Or use a log or record – these let you write more details about individual events.

  "The key is to find one that works for you!"

  Below are a few types to try.

  Seizure Diary Apps

  Whichever method you choose to track your seizures, we recommend that you select something that you know you will consistently update. A seizure diary app is convenient for many people to use when on the go. With a seizure diary app, you or your caretaker can:

• • Log auras, seizures, and side effects with a few clicks
  • Track your meds and receive reminders
  • See your progress over time
  • Get customized content relevant to your symptoms
  • Stop worrying about remembering details at your next appointment

  Think of seizure diary apps as your personal health assistant, making sure you stay on track.

• Special Instructions

• Seizure diaries can be used for different purposes. Sit down with the doctor and nurse to find out what information is most important for you to track What would help your health care team, and what info do you need?
• When tracking your seizures while your medicine or treatment plan is being adjusted, make sure you write down when medicine changes are made!
• To see if "as needed" medicines or treatments are helpful, write down when they are used and if they worked as expected.
• To see if triggers or patterns are present, decide what factors you are interested in and write down when they occur.
• To monitor side effects of medicines or changes in mood, write down if these are present and when they occur (time of day is important too!).
• Information on this blog post i found at
• https://www.epilepsy.com

July 17, 2023

- Lorrie