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As epilepsy can affect people in different ways, everyone's experience of living with the condition is different. But there are some general points that can help.
Seizures can be dangerous, so it's important to try to keep them as well controlled as possible. There are several things you can do to help.
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) can be very effective in stopping or reducing the frequency of seizures.
If you've been prescribed an AED, make sure you take it every day as advised by your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your medicine is causing unpleasant side effects. Do not skip doses or stop taking it without getting medical advice, as this could cause you to have a seizure.
You might need to try several AEDs to find one that works for you and does not cause troublesome side effects.
You may eventually be able to stop taking your medicine once your seizures have been under control for some time. This should be done gradually under medical supervision.
While not the case for everyone with epilepsy, seizures can sometimes have a trigger. Common seizure triggers include stress, lack of sleep and alcohol.
Keeping a seizure diary – detailing when you have seizures and what you were doing beforehand – may help you work out if you have any triggers.
If you identify any triggers, doing what you can to avoid them can help reduce the number of seizures you have.
For example, it might help to:
You'll have regular reviews of your epilepsy and treatment. These are usually carried out by a GP, but sometimes may be done by your epilepsy specialist team.
Reviews should be carried out at least once a year, although you may need them more often if your epilepsy is not well controlled.
These appointments are a good opportunity to talk to your doctor about how you feel your treatment is going and any problems you're having. For example you may want to ask advice about side effects of your medicine.
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Having seizures can sometimes put you or others at risk of harm – for example, if they happen while you're cooking, driving or swimming.
If your seizures are not well controlled, there are things you can do to reduce the danger.
Some tips to help you stay safe at home include:
Further information
Most people with epilepsy can take part in sports and other leisure activities. There are some precautions you might need to take if your seizures are not well controlled.
For example, you may need to:
Further information
You must stop driving and tell the Driving and Vehicle Licence Agency (DVLA) if you've had a seizure.
Your licence may be taken away until your seizures are under control.
When you can reapply for a licence depends on the type of seizure you had. For example, if you've had seizures that caused you to lose consciousness, you will not be able to reapply until you have not had a seizure for at least a year.
Further information
Epilepsy does not affect your ability to have children and there's no reason why you cannot have a healthy pregnancy.
But if you're thinking of trying for a baby, it's important to discuss your plans with your doctor.
This is because some AEDs can harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may suggest switching to another AED if there's any risk to your baby.
Read more about the risks of AEDs in pregnancy.
If you suddenly find out you're pregnant, contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible. Do not stop taking your medicine without speaking to them first.
If you do not want to get pregnant, it's important to use a reliable form of contraception.
Ask your doctor about the best type of contraception to use, as some AEDs can affect how certain contraceptives work, including the combined contraceptive pill.
Methods of contraception that are not affected by AEDs include the:
It's also a good idea to use a condom as well.
Speak to a GP, a pharmacist or a family planning clinic if you need emergency contraception. You may need to have an IUD fitted.
Children with epilepsy can usually attend a mainstream school and participate fully in school activities.
Make sure your child's school and teachers are aware of their condition, including:
Some children with epilepsy need extra support to get the most out of their time at school.
Speak to the school if your child has special educational needs so you can discuss the support your child needs and what the school can offer.
Further information
If your epilepsy is well controlled, it may not have any effect on your work.
Speak to your employer if your condition makes it difficult to do your job. They have to make reasonable adjustments to your work tasks to allow you to keep working.
This may include things like:
Further information
If you have to stop work or work part-time because of your epilepsy, you may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial support:
If you take AEDs, you're entitled to get all your prescriptions (not just those for AEDs) free of charge.
Ask your doctor how to get an exemption certificate.
Further information
There are 2 main epilepsy support groups that you might find a useful source of information and advice.
Support available from Epilepsy Action includes:
Support available from the Epilepsy Society includes:
Sometimes a person with epilepsy dies during or after a seizure for no obvious reason. This is known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
SUDEP is rare, but it's important to be aware of the danger because it may sometimes be preventable.
The main thing you can do to reduce your risk is to make sure your epilepsy is well controlled. You can do this by taking your medicine as recommended and avoiding seizure triggers when possible.
If you're worried your epilepsy is poorly controlled, contact your epilepsy specialist. It may be possible to refer you to a specialist epilepsy centre for further treatment.
A charity called SUDEP Action can offer advice and support, as well as a helpline for people who've lost a loved one as a result of epilepsy.
Further information
