Managing Epilepsy

It is important for people with epilepsy to try to get over any fear of seizures and live their lives as normally as possible. Rigid guidelines are impossible as each individual case of epilepsy is different. For example, it makes a big difference whether the fits are unpredictable or whether they always occur at the same time. If the seizures are set off by certain triggers it is obviously best to avoid these. For example flickering lights such as strobe lights in nightclubs can trigger seizures in some people so if this is the case, clubs with strobes are best avoided. Some people's seizures can be brought on by lack of sleep, or by drinking alcohol the night before. This calls for a more moderate lifestyle, which can be particularly difficult for teenagers for whom this is more commonly a problem. Other restrictions include:

• Driving. To hold a civilian driving license in the UK an individual needs to have been seizure-free for 12 months, or only had seizures at night whilst asleep.
• Activities such as climbing and diving are best avoided if you are still having seizures.
• If you decide to go swimming it is best to go with a friend who can keep an eye on you, and help out if necessary. Inform the lifeguard when swimming in a public pool.

You should always discuss your own particular circumstances with your specialist.

Management of epilepsy will be made easier for the individual if the general public adjust their attitudes and increase their knowledge of the subject. Studies show that a third of people with epilepsy experience prejudice and/or discrimination in their workplace. One in four people feel it necessary to conceal their epilepsy from their employer. One in three children experience difficulties in school with other children and a quarter experience difficulties with teachers because of their condition. Epilepsy is a neurological condition, not a mental illness. Many people prefer the word 'seizure' to 'fit' because fit tends to be associated with madness and rage. Epilepsy is a condition, not who we are therefore it is better to refer to 'people with epilepsy' rather than 'epileptics'.