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About epilepsy

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About epilepsy

We provide up to date information on all aspects of living with epilepsy, from driving, employment and pregnancy to leisure, travel and medication. Our information is intended to help those affected by epilepsy make informed choices and decisions.



What is epilepsy?

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is the tendency to have repeated seizures that start in the brain.  Epilepsy is usually only diagnosed after a person has had more than one seizure.

In this section we explain epilepsy, seizures, their triggers and causes.

> Find out more about epilepsy

New: If you are newly diagnosed our ‘just diagnosed’ information covers the topics that people with epilepsy have told us are most helpful.

> Just diagnosed information


Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosing epilepsy is not always easy, but a key part of diagnosis is a description of what happened before, during and after a seizure.

In this section we discuss diagnosis and the tests used to help diagnose epilepsy.

> Find out more about diagnosing epilepsy


Treating epilepsy

Treatment

Up to 70% of people could have their epilepsy controlled with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). AEDs aim to prevent seizures from happening, but don’t cure epilepsy.

In this section we provide information on AEDs and other forms of treatment, including the ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and surgery.

> Find out more about treating epilepsy


First aid for seizures

First aid for seizures

Knowing how to help a person during and after a seizure may help you, and them, feel more confident if a seizure happens. 

In this section we explain first aid for seizures, including when to dial 999 and how to get first aid training.

> Find out more about first aid for seizures



Leisure and epilepsy

Leisure

Information on enjoying leisure activities safely with Epilepsy.

> Leisure and epilepsy


Safety and epilepsy

Epilepsy and safety

Ways to help keep you safe in your home and when you are out and abou

> Safety and epilepsy


More epilepsy topics



Epilepsy and you

Epilepsy and you

Resources

Help

Associated conditions

Non-epileptic seizures
Not all seizures are epileptic seizures; some are caused by other conditions.

Hemiplegia and epilepsy
An introduction to epilepsy for people with childhood hemiplegia.



Helpline

Want to talk to someone? You can call our confidential helpline.

01494 601 400

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday: 9am-4pm
Wednesday: 9am-8pm

National call rate



Useful links and addresses


Join the online discussions



Did you know?

Around 75 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day.

> Find out more facts about epilepsy 


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