Education and Resources
Patient Education
New Onset Seizures in Adults - Download the education booklet
Find more information on the
Epilepsy Support Group.
List of all
Hoag Neurosciences Education and Resources.
Living with Epilepsy
Although there are always exceptions, people with epilepsy who are otherwise
in good health and whose mental abilities are unaffected can usually continue
to live independently. Families may find this idea difficult to accept.
With the best of intentions, they often become overprotective, making
an older relative more dependent than is necessary.
Of course, there are risks associated with seizures when people live alone.
Making certain changes in the home can reduce the risk of injury. For
example, living in a house or apartment which does not have stairs reduces
the risk of injury from falls; carpeted floors provide a softer surface.
Fire, heat, and water are hazards for people who have seizures. Use caution
when cooking by using the back burners. No swimming or bathing in a bath
tub without supervision unless cleared by your neurologist. Jobs and hobbies
may need to be limited to those that are not dangerous to the person if
he or she suddenly loses awareness. Contact sports should be avoided to
prevent trauma that could cause a seizure.
Examples of activities and sports that should be avoided or supervised include:
- Swimming
- Riding a bicycle
- Contact sports
- Sailing
- Riding a motorcycle
- Mountain climbing
- Flying an airplane
- Skydiving
Many activities, such as jogging and tennis, are safe for individuals with
seizures. General moderate exercise does not increase your risk for seizures.
There is not an increased risk of seizures associated with sexual activity.
What provokes a seizure?
There are many things that can cause increased risk of seizures in people
that are prone to seizures. People with epilepsy should not drink alcoholic
beverages or do illicit drugs. Doing so will increase the risk of seizures
significantly. Many people with epilepsy have identified certain things
that seem to increase the number or severity of their seizures. Sometimes
these connections are just coincidences, but in many cases a link has
been proven between these factors (also called triggers) and the occurrence
of seizures.
Examples of typical seizure triggers include: lack of sleep, skipping
a meal, or increased stress.
Can I still drive?
People who have recently had a seizure or are having active seizures should
not drive. However, people with epilepsy whose seizures are fully controlled
with medication can qualify to drive. With close follow-up with a neurologist,
you can often drive after being seizure-free for a period of time. The
physician will work with you to help you drive as soon as your seizures
are controlled and there is no risk of losing consciousness from seizures.
If driving is not an option, alternatives such as using public transportation,
signing-up with local services for the elderly or disabled, or even moving
to an apartment complex or community that has its own transportation may
be among the alternatives.
Women with Seizures
Women with seizures and on seizure medication can get pregnant. However,
certain medications can cause harm to an unborn child. There are many
medications that are safe and supplements can be taken to decrease the
risk of certain birth complications associated with epilepsy medication.
The neurologist should be made aware of any upcoming planned pregnancy.
The doctor will work with your obstetrician to provide individualized
counseling or make changes to current medications.
Is there anyone I can talk to?
There are many resources for people that have epilepsy. Having seizures
often may result in a few life changes. The feeling of losing independence
and the fear of having seizures may cause new stress. There are resources
at Hoag Hospital and in Orange County to meet others that have been through
similar situations. The Hoag Epilepsy support group meets the first Wednesday
of every month from 7-8 p.m. in the Hoag Cancer Center. Patients, friends,
and family are welcome to join group discussion to help better understand
and cope with epilepsy. The Hoag Epilepsy Program is also available to
answer general questions about epilepsy and referral resources. The Epilepsy
Alliance of Orange County offers classes every month for education on
seizures and seizure safety.