What do I need to know about someone's epilepsy?

What do I need to know about someone's epilepsy?

There are some things it can be useful to know about someone's epilepsy, so you can help them if they have a seizure.

• What types of seizures do they have? For example complex partial seizures or absences.
• How long do their seizures normally last? Epileptic seizures usually stop by themselves. Although the length of seizures is different from person to person a seizure usually lasts the same length of time for each person.
• How often do they have seizures? Some people keep a note of when their seizures happen, in a seizure diary. Contact Epilepsy Society on 01494 601 392 for a free seizure diary.
• Are their seizures usually triggered or 'brought on' by anything, such as stress or tiredness?
• Do they have a history of status? If so, do they need emergency medication?
• How long does it take them to fully recover after a seizure? Some people recover quickly, others may be confused for a while.
• Do they take anti-epileptic drugs? When do they usually take them?