All You Need to Know

• What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

  Seizures can affect people in different ways, depending on which part of the brain is involved.

  Possible symptoms include:

  • Uncontrollable jerking and shaking, called a "fit"
  • Losing awareness and staring blankly into space
  • Becoming stiff
  • Strange sensations, such as a "rising" feeling in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes, and a tingling feeling in your arms or legs
  • Collapsing

  Sometimes you might pass out and not remember what happened.

• Are there different types of seizure?

  Yes - you might have heard of seizures which make you shake or twitch, but there are other types of seizures that can happen with epilepsy.

  Some seizures may make you blank out or stare into space, while others cause you to make random body movements, be unable to respond to others and have no memory of it happening.

  Understanding the different types of seizures can help you recognise them and know how to respond or seek help when needed.

• When should I get medical help?

  See a GP if you think you might have had a seizure for the first time.

  This does not mean you have epilepsy, as a seizure can have several causes and sometimes they're just a one-off, but you should see a doctor to find out why it happened.

  Call 999 for an ambulance if someone:

  • Is having a seizure for the first time
  • Has a seizure that lasts more than five minutes
  • Has lots of seizures in a row
  • Has breathing problems or has seriously injured themselves.

  What to do if someone has a seizure

• What treatments are there for epilepsy?

  Treatment can help most people with epilepsy have fewer seizures or stop having seizures completely.

  Treatments include:

  • Medicines called anti-epileptic drugs – these are the main treatment
  • Surgery to remove a small part of the brain that's causing the seizures
  • Putting a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures
  • A special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures.

  Some people need treatment for life. But you might be able to stop treatment if your seizures disappear over time.

• Can I live a normal life with epilepsy?

  Epilepsy is usually a lifelong condition, but most people with it are able to have normal lives if their seizures are well controlled.

  You may have to think about your epilepsy before you do things such as driving, certain jobs, swimming, using contraception and planning a pregnancy.

  Advice is available from a GP or support groups to help you adjust to life with epilepsy.