Seizures

Seizures FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions on seizures.

Will I have epilepsy for the rest of my life?

It is difficult to answer this question.

Epilepsy is a condition that differs from one person to the next. Some people only have epilepsy for a certain time in their life (it might go away - called spontaneous remission). Others may always have epilepsy. Sometimes a neurologist might be able to predict what will happen over time, for examlpe with some childhood epilepsy syndromes (see below), but this is not always possible.

Up to around 70% (7 in 10) of people could get their seizures controlled once the right medication, at the right dose, is found for them. This means that they will stop having seizures. But this does not mean they don't have epilepsy anymore; because for many people if they stop their medication, their seizures start again.

Some children have a childhood epilepsy syndrome. This means that their epilepsy fits into a certain group of characteristics or pattern, such as a certain seizure type, certain age when seizures start, and a particular recording on their EEG. There are lots of different syndromes. Some have a predictable prognosis, which means the doctor may be able to say whether their epilepsy is likely to continue or not.

I always have seizures at the same time every month. Does this mean anything?

It might do if you are a woman! Some women find that they have seizures at a particular time during their menstrual cycle - often just before or during their period. This can happen if their seizures are affected by hormones. If a woman only has seizures during these times in her period (and at no other time), this is called catamenial epilepsy.

Some people find that their seizures are triggered (brought on by) different situations. Triggers can vary from one person to another but might include tiredness, stress, or excitement.

If your seizures always seem to happen at a particular time, it might be helpful to think about anything that could be causing them. Keeping a diary of your seizures, to look for any patterns in why they happen, might help you to identify any triggers. Then you could try to avoid those situations when your seizures are more likely to happen.

You can order a free copy of our seizure diary from our online shop as part of our 'first five free' offer.

What first aid do I give for different types of seizure?

What you can do to help someone having a seizure depends on the type of seizure they have and what is happening during the seizure. Our information on first aid gives guidance on how to help someone if they are having a seizure. In general you can help someone by making sure they are safe and away from harm, and staying with them as they recover. Most seizures stop by themselves, and the person doesn't usually need to go to hospital.

It might also help to ask the person themselves how they would like you to help if they have a seizure. Some people might prefer you to help in a particular way. If the person has had seizures before, they are probably going to be the best person to ask about how you can help them.

Is there anything I can do to help reduce my seizures?

Most people take anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to try and control their seizures. For AEDs to work best they need to be taken every day. Also, some people find that their seizures are triggered (brought on by) different situations. Triggers can vary from person to person but might include tiredness, stress, or excitement. If you know what triggers your seizures, then trying to avoid these situations might also be a way of reducing your seizures. Keeping a diary of when you have seizures can be a good way to see whether they are getting less frequent.

You can order a free copy of our seizure diary from our online shop as part of our 'first five free' offer.

© Epilepsy Society
Information updated in November 2012.