Living your best life
Learning how to cope withepilepsyis just as important as treating it.
Everyone copes differently and may have varying levels of needs.
Emotional
Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be devastating because of the altered road you know is ahead.
Illustration by Verywell
Verywell and theEpilepsy Foundation’s websiteare great places to start.
Depression is estimated to affectone in threepeople with epilepsy at some point in their lives.
Treatment for depression can help and improve your quality of life tremendously.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It may also be helpful to keep a journal.
Writing down your thoughts can help you sort out your feelings.
you’re able to use our Healthcare Provider Discussion Guide below to help start that conversation.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Physical
Epilepsy may affect physical aspects of your life such as sleep and exercise.
Certain habits can help lessen the physical impact.
Be sure the surgical team knows about your epilepsy and that your neurologist knows about the surgery.
This can result in daytime sleepiness.
You may be able to try a different medication instead.
But exercise is beneficial for epilepsy, so staying active should be encouraged.
Choosing activities wisely, however, is important.
The Epilepsy Foundation has community forums, a chat room, and a 24/7 helpline to answer questions.
Your loved ones are also important allies.
You may want to consider telling your co-workers about your diagnosis and how to handle a seizure as well.
Medication works well to control many cases of photosensitive epilepsy.
Exposure to these stimuli doesn’t cause photosensitive epilepsy to develop.
Either someone has this sensitivity or they don’t.
However, every person’s epilepsy is different.
As a parent, it’s your job to advocate for your child’s needs.
The Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) was written to help both parents and students find support.
Your child’s teachers may also need to be trained in handling a seizure.
These issues should be discussed before school starts as well.
Peers may not understand epilepsy and be afraid of it.
Participating in certain activities may not be possible because of medical needs.
Medication can have side effects like grogginess that make it hard for your child to interact with others.
Working on social skills may also be beneficial.
This can help you and your healthcare provider identifyseizure triggersand track your progress.
People with epilepsy perform well in many job fields, including high offices.
Discrimination
There are federal and state laws in place that are designed to preventemployersfrom discriminating against individuals with epilepsy.
This is a personal decision, not a requirement.
Special Accommodations
If you have epilepsy, there are no special accommodations needed while you’re on the job.
Safety
Job safety is also important, especially if your seizures are not fully controlled.
you might also look into working from home instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask your healthcare provider to see to it.
Seizure medications can also decrease your tolerance for alcohol.
The ketogenic diet requires specific measurements of calories, proteins, and fluid and can be hard to follow.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Epilepsy and seizures.
2016;57(1):6-12. doi:10.1111/epi.13261
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.First aid for seizures.
Epilepsy Foundation.Photosensitivity and seizures.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Epilepsy facts and stats.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.Epilepsy in the workplace and the ADA.
Epilepsy Foundation.Preparing for back to school success.
Epilepsy Foundation.Diagnosing and treating memory problems.
13(2):94-100.
Epilepsy Foundation.Alcohol as a seizure trigger.
