Epilepsy - Sophie Reid Neurological Association

Beyond Diagnosis

Understanding Epilepsy

Receiving a diagnosis of epilepsy can bring relief, uncertainty and many questions. This guide has been created by The Sophie Reid Neurological Association to help you understand epilepsy, feel more confident and remind you that you are not alone.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring unprovoked seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy affects everyone differently, and the type of seizures, treatment and day-to-day impact vary from person to person.

Understanding seizures

Not every seizure looks the same. Some involve convulsions, while others may involve staring, confusion, unusual movements, changes in awareness or brief sensory experiences.

Different seizure types

Focal aware seizures
Focal impaired awareness seizures
Generalised tonic-clonic seizures
Absence seizures
Myoclonic seizures
Tonic, atonic and other seizure types

What happens after diagnosis?

Living well with epilepsy

Take medication as prescribed
Prioritise sleep
Manage stress
Limit known seizure triggers where possible
Carry medical information
Build a support network

Safety and reducing risk

Know your seizure first aid plan
Consider showering instead of bathing if advised
Take care around heights, open water and cooking
Discuss driving, work and sport with your healthcare team
Carry emergency contact details

Family, friends and carers

Knowing basic seizure first aid can make a huge difference. Stay calm, protect the person from injury, do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth, and know when emergency medical help is needed according to their care plan and local guidance.