Jill McNaughton, aged 46

Epilepsy Mine image - Jill McNaughton page 

The word epilepsy has a power beyond belief.

When I was diagnosed eleven years ago, my life changed completely.

I now had something shameful, something to be kept secret, something not mentioned, let alone discussed. I was alone with this thing and very frightened. I lost my job and there was no one to talk to. The only “advice” I got was a nurse who casually informed me that having children was now obviously out of the question; a woman with epilepsy would not be allowed to look after a baby. I believed her.

Thankfully some progress has been made, but myths still abound. My hope is the British Epilepsy Association’s vision – acceptance and understanding, fact not fiction.


We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.