Epilepsy affects everyone differently. It can be a life-long condition, or it can get better.
How epilepsy affects you depends on:
- the type of seizures you have
- how often they happen
- how well your treatment works
For most people, medicine works well to prevent or reduce seizures. Epilepsy has a small impact on their daily life. But some people have seizures that are harder to control and need more support.
Seizures may be harmful. They can cause accidents or injuries. The risk of seizures may affect the type of work or activities you can do. You may need to take extra safety measures.
Risks of epilepsy
An epileptic seizure usually stops by itself and does not cause any lasting problems.
In rare cases you may have:
- a seizure that lasts a long time
- several seizures without recovering in between
This is called status epilepticus, and needs urgent treatment to prevent damage to your brain.
There's also a small risk of dying suddenly, called sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). But this is rare and epilepsy treatment reduces the risk.
Epilepsy and pregnancy
You can have a healthy pregnancy if you have epilepsy. But there's a chance you'll have more seizures in pregnancy. You may need extra appointments and tests.
You might also need to change your medicine before getting pregnant. Some epilepsy medicines are not safe to take in pregnancy.
If you're planning to get pregnant or find out you're pregnant, keep taking your medicine. But talk to your specialist team straight away to review your treatment.
Things you can do to help with epilepsy
If you have epilepsy, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe and reduce the risk of seizures.
Do
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make sure your family and friends know what to do if you have a seizure
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carry medical ID, such as a bracelet or a card that lets people know you have epilepsy
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keep a diary to help you identify things that might trigger a seizure, such as tiredness, your period or flashing lights
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make your home safer - for example you can fit carpets and radiator covers
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consider using an alarm to get help if you have a seizure
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have showers instead of baths if you can
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think about safety when doing activities such as cooking, using machinery or swimming
Lifestyle changes if you have epilepsy
Don't
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do not miss doses of your epilepsy medicine
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do not change your epilepsy treatment without getting advice from your GP or specialist
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do not drink too much alcohol, as it can increase the risk of seizures
Epilepsy and driving
Do not drive if you've had any type of seizure.
Talk to your specialist for advice. When you can start driving again depends on the type of seizure and when it last happened.
You need to follow the RSA's rules about epilepsy and driving.
More support
Get more advice and support- epilepsy.ie