Living with the Adult

General Health
Do not think of yourself as ill or an invalid. Most people with epilepsy are in good physical health between seizuress. Aim to keep yourself physically and mentally active. ‘Nothing in excess’ is good advice for most people with epilepsy. A regular balanced diet and adequate sleep are important.

Seizures
The unpredictability of seizures tends to make epilepsy difficult to live with. However some people learn to recognise the feeling that a seizure may be about to happen and they are able to make plans accordingly.

Prodromes
Some men and women experience ‘prodromal’ symptoms – a feeling of mounting tension and anxiety for hours or even days before the seizure.

Auras
Other people have ‘auras’ or brief warnings which may consist of odd smells or tastes, flash–backs, tingling sensations, a rising feeling in the stomach or visual distortion. The aura is actually the early part of the seizure already in progress and a more dramatic or intense stage often follows. Not everyone with epilepsy will have these warnings.

Medication (see Anti–Epileptic Drugs AED’s)

Other People
It is important that epilepsy should be kept in perspective, and not allowed to loom too large. If epilepsy dominates an adult’s life and conversation, other people will rapidly become bored. It is wise if the adult with epilepsy plans a full and varied timetable for himself, with plenty of activities, so that other people see him as an interesting person and a worthwhile companion.

There is a danger that the adult who is sensitive about his epilepsy may see discrimination and rejection where none is intended. If friends and colleagues are told about the epilepsy, and given guidelines for coping with seizures, they will usually respond in a positive and friendly way.

Local Groups
Many people with epilepsy choose to join a local epilepsy group, in order to learn more about the condition, to share problems, and to enjoy social activities. Local Groups can also make a personal contribution to the education of the local community about epilepsy, which in its turn increases public understanding.

Relationships
As a child with epilepsy grows up, he will need to have more information about his epilepsy, and its implications for employment, social life, marriage and parenthood.

Opportunities should be found for him to participate in youth activities, including trips and holidays away from home, so that he becomes increasingly self-reliant.

Marriage and Parenthood
If one parent had idiopathic (unknown cause) epilepsy, the risk of a child developing it may be slightly higher, depending on the type of epilepsy and the family’s medical history.

If both parents have epilepsy the risk may be further increased. In most cases however, the risks are small. This is a subject to discuss with your consultant or G.P. Many men and women with epilepsy enjoy marriage and parenthood, and bring up healthy children.

Incontinence
If you know that you are incontinent when you have attacks and your epilepsy cannot be completely controlled, you may think it advisable to keep spare clothing at work.

Alcohol (Alcohol )

Discos
Only a small proportion of people with epilepsy are affected by flashing of flickering lights. Most people can attend discos without any problem.

Driving (see Australian Guidelines)

Employment
If career plans have been disrupted, do not waste time brooding. Seek professional advice. Although certain occupations may be unsuitable because of the danger to yourself or to other people ( eg. working at heights, working with open electrical circuits, working near water, work involving driving) there are many jobs that the person with epilepsy can do.

Sheltered employment is available in many parts of the country for those who are not robust enough for open employment.

However, many people with epilepsy can and do work in open employment.

Also see (Jobseekers Guide)

Travel (refer to the Epilepsy Passport)

Original courtesy of Epilepsy Association of Scotland
Revised April 2002

This information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South Australia and Northern Territory Inc on the Internet is designed to provide basic information about epilepsy. It is not intended, nor does it constitute medical or other professional advice. Diagnosis and advice on medical care or other assessments should be sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified professional.