Epilepsy Self-Management

"Epilepsy is a broad term used for a brain disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can get in the way of life, mostly when seizures keep happening. Although there are many medicines to help prevent seizures, they don’t always work. In fact, more than half (56%) of adults with active epilepsy who take antiseizure medicines are still having seizures.¹

Uncontrolled seizures can increase the risk of injury, anxiety, depression, brain damage, and in rare cases, death. They can also interfere with activities such as working, going to school, and socializing with friends and family. Side effects from medicine (such as feeling tired or having memory problems) can add to the challenges of living with epilepsy.²

As with any chronic condition, people with epilepsy can benefit from learning skills that help them better manage their disorder and its effects on daily life.

Epilepsy self-management involves three areas:

1. Treatment management, such as taking medicines as prescribed, keeping medical appointments, and communicating effectively with health care providers.
2. Seizure management, such as recognizing and avoiding seizure triggers and keeping track of when seizures happen.
3. Lifestyle management, such as getting enough sleep and reducing stress.^.."
   Epilepsy