Epilepsy and Incontinence

Epilepsy and Incontinence

Epilepsy is defined as a neurological condition which may lead to changes in person’s movement, behaviour, loss of consciousness also referred to as seizures.

When there is disruption to brain’s electrical activity this can often affect a person’s ability to remain continent.

Different types of Seizures cause incontinence in different ways.

  • Tonic-Clonic Seizures – Typically occurs when muscles become rigid and tense. Atonic Seizures occur when the muscle become weak and all of this can cause pelvic muscles to tense, putting bladder under stress. This typically results in accidental leakage or complete emptying of bladder.
  • Absence seizures – Have non-motor symptoms such as lapses in awareness. During these seizures the signals to the brain to retain urine may get mixed up resulting in the total loss of urine.

Incontinence symptoms related to epilepsy may include:

  • Sudden urge to empty the bladder
  • Not able to completely empty the bladder
  • Not being able to reach traditional toileting facilities on time

 How to prevent epilepsy-related incontinence:

  •  Ensuring you take your medications on time.
  • Using incontinence products, such as adult slips, adult incontinence pants, or bedpads to help manage continence.
  • Adults should get a minimum 7 to 8 hours of sleep
  • Avoid seizure tiggers such as alcohol, flashing lights, illicit drugs, missing meals, food with high sugar levels,

 Always speak with your GP or healthcare professional if you have any symptoms of epilepsy or incontinence to treat and manage your condition.