Epilepsy Care: Living Well with Seizure Disorders

Epilepsy is a group of conditions that cause repeated seizures. It is not one disease but many, and each type responds differently to treatment. A neurologist identifies the seizure type first, because that choice decides which medicine will work.

How Epilepsy Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis is based on a careful description of the seizure event, a physical examination and tests such as an EEG to record brain activity, blood work and brain imaging such as MRI or CT. Video recordings of a seizure are extremely helpful, so ask someone to record the event if it is safe to do so.

Living Well with Epilepsy

• Take medicines at the same time every day and never stop suddenly
• Keep a seizure diary with the date, time, duration and what was happening
• Sleep on a regular schedule and avoid alcohol and late nights
• Inform family, colleagues and your driving licence authority as required by law

When to Seek Urgent Help

Call for emergency help if a seizure lasts more than five minutes, if a second seizure follows without recovery in between, or if the person is injured, pregnant or having their first seizure.

With the correct combination of medicine, lifestyle changes and follow up, many patients achieve seizure free years and can drive, work and travel normally.