What do you know about your Epilepsy?

1. People with epilepsy are as capable as other people

True

False

There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. A person with epilepsy may be incapacitated during a seizure but this will be brief and temporary.

Explanation

There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. A person with epilepsy may be incapacitated during a seizure but this will be brief and temporary.

2. In most cases, doctors can control epileptic seizures with medication

True

False

Up to 70% of people with epilepsy can potentially have their seizures controlled chiefly through medication

Explanation

Up to 70% of people with epilepsy can potentially have their seizures controlled chiefly through medication

3. All people with epilepsy have similar symptoms

True

False

There are many different types of epilepsy which affect people in different ways. It is important to be able to communicate your own seizure type so as to ensure you can get the most effective support where needed.

Explanation

There are many different types of epilepsy which affect people in different ways. It is important to be able to communicate your own seizure type so as to ensure you can get the most effective support where needed.

4. People with epilepsy can take an active part in sports

True

False

People with epilepsy should take an active part in all activities. They should be aware of potential dangers and take sensible precautions to ensure their safety.

Explanation

People with epilepsy should take an active part in all activities. They should be aware of potential dangers and take sensible precautions to ensure their safety.

5. If a patient expects a seizure, he/she should take an additional dose of anti-epileptic medication

True

False

A person with epilepsy should never alter their medication regime unless advised to do so by their medical team

Explanation

A person with epilepsy should never alter their medication regime unless advised to do so by their medical team

6. Blood samples can be used to measure the concentration of antiepileptic medication in the body

True

False

It can help identify if a person may be on too strong a dosage of medication

Explanation

It can help identify if a person may be on too strong a dosage of medication

7. An epileptic seizure always results in loss of consciousness

True

False

While some seizure do involve a loss of consciousness there are many where the person will be fully alert to the seizure activity but have no control over what is happening. These are called Simple Partial Seizures.

Explanation

While some seizure do involve a loss of consciousness there are many where the person will be fully alert to the seizure activity but have no control over what is happening. These are called Simple Partial Seizures.

8. Epilepsy is a symptom of mental illness

True

False

Epilepsy is not connected to mental illness it is a physical condition affecting brain functionality

Explanation

Epilepsy is not connected to mental illness it is a physical condition affecting brain functionality

9. Everyone can have a seizure, given the appropriate circumstances

True

False

Epileptic activity can start in any brain. 60% of people who develop epilepsy have no underlying damage of developmental defect in their brain.

Explanation

Epileptic activity can start in any brain. 60% of people who develop epilepsy have no underlying damage of developmental defect in their brain.

10. An EEG can always prove the diagnosis of epilepsy.

True

False

An EEG is an aid in the diagnosis of epilepsy, it does not provide conclusive proof that a person has/ hasn’t got epilepsy.

Explanation

An EEG is an aid in the diagnosis of epilepsy, it does not provide conclusive proof that a person has/ hasn’t got epilepsy.

11. Every seizure destroys a number of nerve cells in the brain

True

False

It is only if a person experiences very frequent and very lengthy seizures that this may become a risk

Explanation

It is only if a person experiences very frequent and very lengthy seizures that this may become a risk

12. People with seizures should not swim without an accompanying person

True

False

It is also advisable to notify the lifeguard present so he/ she can be alert to any problems that may arise

Explanation

It is also advisable to notify the lifeguard present so he/ she can be alert to any problems that may arise

13. All people with epilepsy should avoid flashing or strobing lights (eg. Disco lights, TV or computer screens

True

False

Photosensitive epilepsy (the flickering light/ image triggers the seizure) affects only 3 – 5% of the total epilepsy population, so the majority of people with epilepsy are not at risk. It is safer however to avoid contact with strobe lighting.

Explanation

Photosensitive epilepsy (the flickering light/ image triggers the seizure) affects only 3 – 5% of the total epilepsy population, so the majority of people with epilepsy are not at risk. It is safer however to avoid contact with strobe lighting.

14. People with epilepsy should avoid strenuous work because this can provoke seizures.

True

False

There is no evidence to support this claim. However people with epilepsy have to be careful that they do get sufficient rest and not overburden their metabolic system

Explanation

There is no evidence to support this claim. However people with epilepsy have to be careful that they do get sufficient rest and not overburden their metabolic system

15. If your seizures are controlled for some months, you can reduce the dose of anti-epileptic medication

True

False

A person with epilepsy should never alter their medication regime unless advised to do so by their medical team

Explanation

A person with epilepsy should never alter their medication regime unless advised to do so by their medical team

16. All people with seizures should avoid working with open machinery

True

False

Every person with epilepsy should be considered for suitability for work based on their seizure type; frequency and the degree of control they have attained. Obviously they should not expose themselves or others to potential risk.

Explanation

Every person with epilepsy should be considered for suitability for work based on their seizure type; frequency and the degree of control they have attained. Obviously they should not expose themselves or others to potential risk.

17. People who seize only during sleep may hold a driver's license

True

False

This is one of the exemptions under the Driving Regulations for people with epilepsy. For persons who have seizures exclusively in sleep they may be declared fit to drive once this pattern has been established for no less than one year. (Previously 2 years). If a further occurrence of a seizure happens in waking a one year seizure freedom period is required.

Explanation

This is one of the exemptions under the Driving Regulations for people with epilepsy. For persons who have seizures exclusively in sleep they may be declared fit to drive once this pattern has been established for no less than one year. (Previously 2 years). If a further occurrence of a seizure happens in waking a one year seizure freedom period is required.

18. On job applications, a patient should always disclose his/her epilepsy condition

True

False

There is no legal obligation to disclose any medical condition, except during a medical examination. People with epilepsy should never put themselves or others at risk and to ensure one’s own safety it may important to disclose the condition

Explanation

There is no legal obligation to disclose any medical condition, except during a medical examination. People with epilepsy should never put themselves or others at risk and to ensure one’s own safety it may important to disclose the condition

19. If persons with epilepsy drive, they must inform the driving authorities about their condition

True

False

In the UK a person who is diagnosed is obliged to notify the Driving Licence Authority. Here in Ireland there is no such obligation. However when applying for or renewing a licence a person would be obliged to disclose that they have epilepsy.

Explanation

In the UK a person who is diagnosed is obliged to notify the Driving Licence Authority. Here in Ireland there is no such obligation. However when applying for or renewing a licence a person would be obliged to disclose that they have epilepsy.

What Do You Know About Your Epilepsy?