We Need Your Help!
A survey is presently being conducted by a graduate student from Western Carolina University on transportation and epilepsy. Participants need to be 18 and above with at least a two year history of epilepsy. Information from this survey will be very helpful in assessing the transportation issues that people with epilepsy face in our state. If you would be interested in participating in this survey contact: Patricia Gibson at the Epilepsy Information Service at 1-800-642-0500 or email:pgibson@wakehealth.edu
Living with epilepsy
What can trigger a seizure?
Many things can trigger a seizure in a person with epilepsy.
Some causes include:
- Missing or suddenly stopping seizure medications
- Doubling up on medications due to missed doses
- Physical illnesses and fever (cold, flu, etc.)
- Stress
- Sleep problems or missing sleep
- Extreme temperatures
- Hormonal changes
- Overusing alcohol
- Overusing illicit drugs
- Some medications, including over-the-counter medications
What can change day-to-day
Epilepsy increases the risk of injury, but that doesn't mean that people with epilepsy shouldn't lead full lives.
There are a few lifestyle changes which can reduce the risk of problems:
- Take showers rather than baths
- Don't cook or work in the kitchen alone
- Be careful with ladders and other situations that could increase the risk of a fall
- A medical alert bracelet or necklace is a good idea if a person has frequent seizures
- Be sure to consult your physician before beginning a new activity or diet
Driving
The biggest challenge for many people with epilepsy is not being able to get a driver’s license or losing the one they have. Many people with well-controlled epilepsy can resume driving. It is vital for those with epilepsy to drive ONLY when it can be done legally and safely. Laws vary considerably from state to state. We advocate for total honesty when it comes to reporting any ‘breakthrough” seizures.
Other ways epilepsy affects lives
Mood
Epilepsy can cause depression, although antidepressant medications may help. Some seizure medications also can cause depression. If this occurs, sometimes a change of medication can alleviate the issue.
Memory
Epilepsy and seizure medications often cause memory problems. But in general, the more effectively seizures are controlled, the less memory is affected.
Hormones
Epilepsy and seizure medications affect hormones. This can impact women most of all, because seizure medications can change menstrual patterns, and may also reduce the effectiveness of some forms of contraception.
Pregnancy
Women with epilepsy can become pregnant and have a healthy baby. But this requires close collaboration between the woman’s neurologist and obstetrician. Seizure medications may need to be adjusted several times during pregnancy.
Bone health
Some seizure medications cause bone problems. Women and men can both develop osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) due to seizure medications, which can increase the chance of fractures.
Get more information
Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina
Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A
1920 W. First Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Telephone: (800) 451-0694
Local: (336) 716-2320
Fax: (336) 716-6018
Email: PGibson@WakeHealth.edu