Living with Epilepsy

Just found out about your epilepsy? You're probably thinking- Why me? But anyone can have epilepsy, regardless of age, race, sex or social conditions. Epilepsy may be part of your life, but it doesn't define who you are.

Finding out you have epilepsy can come as a real shock. But what can you do about it? The best thing you can do is take charge of your life and educate yourself as much as you can about epilepsy. Then educate the people around you! And once you explain what epilepsy is, people are often more understanding and supportive. They'll treat you - like everyone else-because you are!

Many famous people - athletes, authors, artists, politicians, professionals - have epilepsy. Are you going to let epilepsy stop you from doing what you want?

Some very famous people have epilepsy too!

If you have epilepsy, you can still become involved in extracurricular activities, go on dates, and get a job. Your doctor will give you instructions for taking precautions to protect yourself in various situations. For example, teens with epilepsy can enjoy swimming, but should always swim with other people to be safe. Aside from some minor safety precautions, though, you can enjoy all the stuff your friends and classmates do. As long as epilepsy is under medical control, people with epilepsy are able to drive.

But, before you do, you gotta know: What's safe? And what isn't? Click on a link below for more information
-Drugs
-Sports and recreation
-Home safety
When you are comfortable with it, tell the people close to you - friends, relatives, teachers, and coaches - about your epilepsy and teach them what to do in case you have a seizure when they're with you. Some of the things friends can do to help someone who's having a seizure are:

• Stay calm.
• Help, but don't force, the person to lie down on his or her side, preferably on a soft surface, and place something soft under the person's head.
• Take the person's glasses or backpack off and loosen any tight clothing near the neck.
• Don't restrain or hold the person.
• Move objects, especially sharp or hard ones, away from the person.
• Stay with the person or make sure another friend or trusted person stays with him or her.
• Talk with the person in a calm, reassuring way after the seizure is over.
• Observe the event and be able to describe what happened before, during, and after the seizure.
• Do not place an object into the person's mouth during a seizure.