This is one of those questions that keeps coming up in our community — and honestly, I’ve asked it myself more times than I can count. Can you actually stop a seizure before it starts? The short answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no. It really depends on your seizure profile and how well you know your own warning signs.
In my case, if a seizure has already gone through the trigger phase, I’ve felt the aura, and it’s managed to push past the “wall” my anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) usually provide… then honestly, it’s game over. At that point, my brain takes over and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. And if the trigger was a missed dose, forget it — those seizures are usually determined. Afterward, I might remember flashes, or sometimes nothing at all. Many of us end up piecing the story together from what others saw.
But here’s the good news: there are times when you can catch a seizure early and stop it before it takes off — especially if your ASD levels are steady and the trigger isn’t medication-related. Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have genuinely worked for me.
For example, shutting one or both eyes really helps with photosensitivity. Light and flicker can be powerful triggers, and cutting that input fast can calm things down. Sometimes I cover my ears or block out sudden noise, because unexpected sounds can push my brain over the edge. Taking slow, deep breaths has also made a huge difference — focusing on my breath helps me slow everything down and regain control. And if I feel like something’s brewing, I sit or lie down right away to reduce stress and give my body a chance to stabilize.
I go into more detail about these methods in the Epilepsy Management Guide, but the bigger point is this: the best way to stop a seizure is to keep it from ever starting. That means being consistent with medication and disciplined about lifestyle choices. It’s not always fun, but it works. Over time, I’ve learned that prevention starts way before the warning signs ever show up.
This issue is discussed in detail in the Epilepsy Management Guide, which you can download for free. To participate in the discussion on this topic, visit the Global Epilepsy Forum. To know more about what we do, please click HERE. We also have a donation page where those who feel compelled can give whatever they can afford by clicking HERE.
