Epilepsy in adolescence
Sources of help and support for your teenage child with epilepsy.
Adolescence is a time when many young people become more independent, and want to make their own choices about their lives. Finding out what affects their epilepsy can be part of making informed choices.
Late nights, emotional stress, and trying alcohol or recreational drugs, can be typical parts of teenage life. However, all of these can make seizures more likely to happen.
Some young people find epilepsy difficult to live with, especially if they have frequent seizures or side effects from their medication. They may decide to stop seeing their doctor or to stop taking their medication.
Talking to someone they feel comfortable with can help them to feel supported and encourage them to take control in making decisions about their epilepsy.
Sources of help and support
- Our section for young people
Information updated: November 2023
Epilepsy facts and myths
Did you know that the Greek philosopher Hippocrates (460-377 BC) was the first person to think that epilepsy starts in the brain? Find out more interesting facts and debunked myths around epilepsy and seizures.
Epilepsy terminology
There are a number of common misconceptions surrounding epilepsy and epilepsy terminology.
Coming to terms with epilepsy
People can feel differently about their diagnosis; some people come to terms with it quickly, some take longer, and some feel that epilepsy will always be an ongoing issue for them.