Living with epilepsy comes with day-to-day challenges that can weigh on those with the condition.

Published: January 17, 2020 | Updated: February 22, 2023

In addition to the seizures that come with epilepsy, living with the condition can mean other day-to-day challenges.

Stigma can lead some individuals with epilepsy to be uncomfortable spending significant time in public. Anxiety can come from not knowing if strangers know how to help during a seizure.

Going to school, work or even the grocery store can become difficult when there is uncertainty of how others might respond to a seizure.

Challenges of Living With Epilepsy

• Anticipating and addressing seizure triggers such as lack of sleep or medication, stress, alcohol, flashing lights and sometimes even certain types of music are made even more difficult by the unique triggers that affect individual patients.
• Getting from place to place can be difficult. In Kentucky, epilepsy patients must be seizure-free for 90 days to become eligible for a driver’s license. Lack of transportation options combined with physical limitations can result in reduced career options for those with epilepsy.
• Like many neurological disorders, epilepsy can cause irritability, forgetfulness, anxiety, difficulty paying attention, fatigue and depression. Medication that can control epilepsy can lead to some of the same side effects.

Help Is Available for Living With Epilepsy

Classes are available with a focus on education and support. These sessions offer medical, behavioral and peer perspectives.

“Shared experience can be overlooked. Having a platform to get feedback from professionals and people going through the same thing as you can be very empowering. This creates a sense of community between patients,” said Christopher Hurley, certified social worker with Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center.

New patients especially appreciate the chance to learn from others who have lived with epilepsy for years. Their ability to thrive in the face of adversity is a source of inspiration and assurance for those recently diagnosed.

Medical professionals attend these classes to provide information on topics such as medication and side effects or diet and lifestyle recommendations. They also take questions to from patients.