EPILEPSY

What is it and who has it?

Epilepsy is a tendency to have repeated seizures, also known as fits. There are many types of seizure, and they vary from person to person, but the cause is nearly always the same. It is due to an altered chemical balance in the brain. It is not a mental illness or a psychiatric disorder, and is not infectious. It affects about one in 200 people and can affect anyone at any age, but it most commonly starts under the age of 20 or over the age of 60 years.

Can it be cured?

It depends on the sort of epilepsy that you have. Most epilepsy cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled.

For most people, the best treatment is regular tablets which should be taken as directed by your doctor. If you have any side-effects, tell your doctor but do not stop them or change the dose before you get advice. Some seizures may be helped by other treatments, including surgery, nerve stimulators and relaxation methods. They usually help the tablets work better and only rarely take their place.

Discuss treatment options with your GP.

Will it stop me living life to the full?

No. Not if you are positive and if your seizures are well controlled. You will have to take some precautions to make sure you are safe, and ask yourself if certain activities are realistic in your particular circumstances. Leisure activities such as swimming and cycling are not out of bounds, so long as you are accompanied by friends and avoid risky situations such as cycling on busy roads or swimming alone and unsupervised.

Discos and clubs are great, but heat, dehydration, alcohol and fatigue can all trigger seizures, so be careful. Strobe lights, television and computer games are OK if you do not have 'photosensitive epilepsy'- check with your doctor.

When applying for a job, it is important to discuss your epilepsy at the interview, as dismissal may be justified if an employee has been found to withhold or give false information about a medical condition.

Some forms of epilepsy will mean you cannot take on jobs such as driving ambulances, lorries or buses. Nor will you be able to work in the fire service, the armed services or as a merchant seaman, diver or train driver.

The possibility of accidents can be reduced by taking care when in the kitchen or when taking a bath, using safety pillows if seizures happen at night, and looking out for risky flexes, glass doors and open fires.

Where can I get further information?

Lots more helpful information is available from organisations such as theBritish Epilepsy Association on 0808 800 5050, theNational Society for Epilepsy on 01494 601400 or the Epilepsy Association of Scotland on 0141-427 4911. These organisations provided much of the information on this sheet.