Coming to terms with epilepsy

A diagnosis of epilepsy can come as a shock and some people find it difficult to come to terms with. There can be all sorts of reasons for this. For example, some people may worry about stigma and how other people will react to their condition. Other people might worry about treatment and drug side effects.

Quote

"People don't know how to react when confronted with someone who is having a fit. A few of my friends…are concerned more with my safety than out of embarrassment."

The good news is that, in recent years, a lot has changed in the treatment of epilepsy. There is now a wide range of drugs available to treat the condition, and medical knowledge of epilepsy is improving all the time. Although you may still come across some misunderstanding and prejudice from people who do not know about epilepsy, there is no doubt that public attitudes to epilepsy are changing – for the better – all the time.

You may feel that life has completely changed, once you have a diagnosis of epilepsy, and you cannot do lots of things that you used to. However, it is important to try and live your life as fully as you did before the epilepsy, only avoiding activities that would be dangerous if a seizure occurred. It is important to be sensible and not take unnecessary risks.

Some people with epilepsy have certain ‘triggers’, which may make seizures more likely to happen. Common triggers include stress, alcohol and lack of sleep. Keeping a diary of your seizures can help you identify if you have any triggers. This can help you make adjustments to your lifestyle, to try and reduce the risk of seizures happening.

You may find that the more you can learn about epilepsy, the more your confidence will increase. Being open and telling people around you about your epilepsy, and how they can help if you have a seizure, will help both you and them to feel comfortable with your condition.

Quote

"I have often said to myself "I am not epileptic", and stopped taking medication completely - the consequences were I had to be admitted to hospital."