Will epilepsy affect my life?

Developing epilepsy may affect you in different ways. Some people may feel relieved to be given a name and treatment for their condition. However you feel about it, support is available.

Will epilepsy affect my life?

Sometimes a diagnosis can be hard to come to terms with. Talking about any worries you may have, asking questions, and sharing information may help you, and your family and friends, to make sense of what is happening for you.

Some people find that their epilepsy does not affect their life much, especially if their seizures are controlled with treatment that suits them. For other people, epilepsy may affect different areas of life, such as work or home life, lifestyle, travel and holidays, leisure, or social life.

However epilepsy affects you, or how you feel about it, there is help available.

There can be a lot of information about the condition to come to terms with. It is important to remember that epilepsy is a very individual condition and affects people differently.

Support available

Epilepsy Society helpline

Our confidential helpline provides emotional support and information for anyone wanting to know more about epilepsy. 

How to help

Would you know what to do if you saw someone having a seizure? Remember Calm, Cushion, Call:

Calm: stay calm and take control of the situation.

Cushion: cushion their head with something soft.

Call: call an ambulance.

We have further information on first aid.

Epilepsy Society is grateful to Dr F J Rugg-Gunn, Consultant Neurologist & Honorary Associate Professor, Clinical Lead, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, who reviewed this information.

Information updated: May 2024