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Living with Epilepsy

Since seizures are unpredictability in terms of their nature, timing, severity and the situations in which they can occur, can cause social difficulties. Taking an active role in managing your own epilepsy is an important part of coping successfully.

Driving
Epilepsy does not automatically disqualify you from being legally permitted to drive. In fact, many people with epilepsy do drive. Generally people with epilepsy must not drive unless they have been free from seizures for atleast 6 months and the medication does not cause drowsiness or poor co–ordination. If you have not had a seizure for over two, you may be considering quitting medication. However, if you stop medication and a seizure recurs, you will have to stop driving again for at least a further year. For many this is a very difficult decision.

Work
Companies do not single out people with epilepsy. But there are many jobs which are not possible for example commercial driving, airline pilot, armed forces. At times employers worry about productivity, absenteeism, liability, reaction of customers or co–workers and workplace safety.

School
Most children with epilepsy go to normal schools. Children with epilepsy do not have any other disability, and the seizures are well controlled. You should inform the principal and teachers about the problem, most teachers will understand the correct use of medication and will not hesitate to do their best if the child has an attack.

Sport and leisure
Epilepsy is not a disease that has limitations for active and normal life. Patients can and should participate in most sports, but with informed and qualified supervision and, relevant safety measures where required.

Travel
As long as you have medication with you during your travels it is fine. Try to keep journeys short, break it up and do not tire yourself as that may make more prone to a seizure. Also when flying, ‘Jet–lag’ may make you tired. But this should not stop you from travelling. Ideally you should travel with someone or that someone on the trip is aware of your situation.

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