Understanding the Cause and Treatment of Epilepsy: How Awareness, Support, and Action can Make Life Better
- Dean Harrison - Counselling Psychologist
- 6 days ago
- 18 min read
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder marked by a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It affects around 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological conditions (World Health Organisation, 2024).
There are many types of epilepsy — from generalised seizures (affecting the whole brain) to focal seizures (impacting a specific brain region). Seizures may involve convulsions, sudden muscle stiffness, confusion, altered awareness, or brief episodes of staring.
No two individuals experience epilepsy the same way, but one truth remains: With the right support, information, and action, life can get better.
If you’re newly diagnosed or supporting someone with epilepsy, feeling overwhelmed is natural. Understanding, however, is the first step toward empowerment.
What Are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
Epilepsy symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of seizures, but common symptoms include:
Convulsions or jerking movements
Staring spells or periods of unresponsiveness
Temporary confusion or disorientation
Loss of awareness or consciousness
Strange sensations, emotions, or behaviours
Sudden fear, déjà vu, or visual disturbances
Some seizures last only a few seconds, while others may continue for several minutes. Recognising symptoms early can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment.
What is the Cause of Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can arise from a wide range of causes, and in about half of all cases, the cause is unknown (World Health Organization, 2024). Common known causes include:
Genetic influences: Some epilepsies are inherited.
Structural brain abnormalities: Including cortical dysplasias or scarring.
Brain injury: From trauma, strokes, tumours, or brain surgery.
Infections: Meningitis, encephalitis, or neurocysticercosis.
Developmental conditions: Such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability.
Prenatal injury: Including oxygen deprivation before or during birth.
Metabolic disorders: Rare genetic conditions affecting brain metabolism.
Withdrawal from alcohol overuse
Even if the cause remains unknown, understanding possible origins helps guide both treatment and mindset.
Is Epilepsy a Mental Illness?
No, epilepsy is not a mental illness — it is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. However, living with epilepsy can impact mental health. People with epilepsy have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions compared to the general population. Addressing both neurological and emotional well-being is essential for comprehensive epilepsy care.
How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
Epilepsy is diagnosed based on a detailed medical history, neurological examination, and specialised tests. Key diagnostic tools include:
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures electrical activity in the brain to detect abnormal patterns.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Looks for structural brain abnormalities that might cause seizures.
Clinical evaluation: Doctors assess seizure history, triggers, and symptoms to classify the type of epilepsy.
Early diagnosis and classification help create a more effective treatment plan, improving outcomes significantly.
Risks and Consequences of Epilepsy
Risk | Description |
Injury | Falls, burns, or accidents during seizures |
Cognitive challenges | Impacts on memory, attention, and executive function |
Mental health issues | Elevated rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide risk |
SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) | Rare but serious risk, especially in uncontrolled epilepsy |
Important: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Kwon et al., (2024) found people with epilepsy are significantly more likely to experience psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, compared to those without epilepsy, highlighting the urgent need for integrated mental health care.
Common Triggers of Seizures
Seizures often have identifiable triggers, including:
Sleep deprivation
Stress and emotional strain
Alcohol use and withdrawal
Recreational drugs (particularly stimulants, synthetic cannabinoids)
Flashing or flickering lights (photosensitivity)
Skipping meals, poor diet or dehydration
Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., menstruation, ovulation)
Tracking your triggers through a seizure diary is a powerful self-management tool.
Why Are These Common Triggers for Seizures?
Understanding why certain factors trigger seizures can help you take proactive steps to reduce risk and feel more empowered in your daily life.
Here’s how each common trigger affects the brain:
Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep disrupts the brain's normal electrical activity, lowers the seizure threshold, and increases neuronal excitability. Even a single night of poor sleep can significantly raise seizure risk, especially in people with epilepsy.
Stress and Emotional Strain
High stress levels activate the body's "fight or flight" response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemical changes can destabilise the brain's electrical patterns, making seizures more likely in vulnerable individuals.
Alcohol Use and Withdrawal
Alcohol initially suppresses brain activity, but during withdrawal, it causes a sudden surge in brain excitability — a major seizure risk. Even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with anti-epileptic medications and lower the seizure threshold.
Recreational Drugs
Stimulants like amphetamines, cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., "spice") can dramatically overstimulate the brain, making seizures more likely. Some drugs also interact dangerously with epilepsy medications, reducing their effectiveness.
Flashing or Flickering Lights (Photosensitivity)
In some people with photosensitive epilepsy, flashing lights or rapidly changing visual patterns trigger abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to seizures. Video games, concerts, and certain television scenes are common culprits.
Skipping Meals, Poor Diet, or Dehydration
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels and dehydration stress the brain and body, disrupting normal nerve function. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in particular can increase seizure susceptibility.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Changes in hormone levels — especially around menstruation, ovulation, or menopause — can affect the brain’s excitability. This explains why some people experience "catamenial epilepsy," where seizures are more common at specific points in the menstrual cycle.
Quick Tip: Keeping a seizure diary can help you identify personal patterns and triggers, empowering you to make targeted lifestyle adjustments that reduce seizure frequency.
Immediate Impact After a Seizure
Following a seizure, it’s common to experience:
Confusion and disorientation
Headaches
Muscle soreness
Emotional distress or embarrassment
Fatigue or excessive sleepiness
Physical injuries (e.g., tongue bites, bruises)
Recovery is not a race. Be gentle with yourself.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Seizure?
Recovery after a seizure — known as the post-ictal phase — varies widely between individuals and seizure types. Some people feel completely normal within minutes, while others may take hours or even days to fully recover.
Typical Recovery Times After a Seizure:
Type of Seizure | Typical Recovery Time |
Focal seizures (with retained awareness) | A few minutes to an hour |
Focal seizures (with impaired awareness) | 15 minutes to several hours |
Generalised tonic-clonic seizures | Several hours to 24 hours or longer |
Seizure clusters or status epilepticus | Longer recovery may require hospitalisation |
Important: Post-seizure fatigue, memory gaps, emotional distress, and physical soreness are common and normal parts of the recovery process.
Factors That Affect Recovery Time:
Seizure type and severity
Duration of the seizure
Underlying brain health
Previous brain injuries or conditions
Sleep deprivation before or after the seizure
Emotional stress or anxiety
Age and overall physical health
No two recoveries are identical. It is essential to listen to the person's needs and allow plenty of time, rest, and support.
Signs That Full Recovery Is Occurring:
Return of full orientation (person knows who and where they are)
Clear speech and coherent thinking
Normal balance, strength, and coordination
Emotional stability and self-awareness
Ability to perform simple tasks independently
If confusion, memory loss, weakness, or emotional instability persist beyond 24 hours, especially after a severe seizure, medical review is recommended.
Long-Term Consequences of Uncontrolled Seizures
Without proper management, repeated seizures can have serious and lasting impacts on the brain and overall well-being. Understanding these risks highlights why early diagnosis, effective treatment, and proactive lifestyle management are essential.
Changes in Brain Structure and Function
Research shows that recurrent, uncontrolled seizures can cause progressive alterations in the brain’s physical structure, including:
Hippocampal sclerosis: Repeated seizures, especially temporal lobe seizures, can cause shrinkage and scarring of the hippocampus, a brain area crucial for memory and emotional regulation (Thom, 2014).
Cortical thinning: MRI studies show that people with poorly controlled epilepsy, especially mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, often have thinning in parts of the brain — including the temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes — which can affect memory, thinking, language, movement, and emotions. Poor seizure control has been linked to more widespread and severe brain thinning. (McDonald, et al., 2008).
Neuroinflammation: Chronic seizures may cause ongoing inflammation in the brain, leading to further damage over time. (Vezzani et al., 2011)
Inflammation isn't just a consequence of seizures — it may actively drive epilepsy progression... (Vezzani et al., 2011)
Key Point: Repeated seizures can both cause new brain injuries and worsen existing vulnerabilities, making seizure control a top priority.
Cognitive Decline in Epilepsy: What the Research Shows
Cognitive impairment is very common in epilepsy, affecting approximately 60–70% of people with chronic epilepsy (Novak, Vizjak, & Rakusa, 2022). Modern research provides compelling evidence of the impact epilepsy can have on memory, attention, and cognitive processing over time.
Several key factors have been identified as contributing to cognitive decline in epilepsy (Novak et al., 2022):
Early-onset epilepsy and frequent, severe seizures — particularly in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) — are strongly associated with worse cognitive outcomes.
Damage to critical brain areas like the hippocampus leads to episodic memory deficits, while broader network disruptions affect attention and executive function.
Recurrent seizures cause oxidative stress, hippocampal atrophy (e.g., hippocampal sclerosis), impaired neuroplasticity (such as reduced long-term potentiation), and inflammatory changes, all of which worsen cognitive performance over time.
Ongoing epileptiform activity (especially interictal discharges) can impair memory encoding and cognitive processing even outside of seizures, indicating that abnormal brain activity disrupts daily functioning.
Specific Areas of Cognitive Decline in Epilepsy
Research highlights several areas most affected by epilepsy:
Short-term and working memory deficits are highly prevalent, particularly among people with TLE. This is primarily due to damage and scarring of the hippocampus and associated limbic structures (James & Butler, 2021).
Attention and concentration problems often persist even in individuals with relatively well-controlled seizures, likely due to disrupted brain networks in the frontal and parietal lobes (Novak et al., 2022).
Slower information processing speed has been consistently documented, with MRI studies showing that cortical thinning in the temporal and frontal regions correlates with reduced cognitive efficiency (McDonald et al., 2008).
Poor seizure control is associated with greater cognitive decline. Individuals with frequent or uncontrolled seizures show more extensive structural brain changes, such as network dysfunction and cortical atrophy, worsening cognitive outcomes (Keller & Roberts, 2020).
Social Cognition and Psychosocial Impact
Cognitive difficulties can also affect social cognition, leading to problems recognising emotions, maintaining employment, pursuing education, and forming supportive relationships. The stigma surrounding epilepsy further compounds isolation, anxiety, and depression, making early intervention crucial.
Key Point: Cognitive changes in epilepsy are not inevitable. With early diagnosis, effective seizure management, and targeted cognitive rehabilitation, it is possible to protect brain function and maintain quality of life.
Cognitive changes in epilepsy are not inevitable — with early diagnosis, effective seizure management, and targeted rehabilitation, we can protect brain function and preserve quality of life.
Mental Health Risks (Anxiety, Depression, Suicide)
Epilepsy significantly increases vulnerability to mood disorders, due to a combination of:
Biological factors: Seizure-related brain changes disrupt mood regulation circuits.
Psychosocial stress: Fear of seizures, social stigma, employment challenges, and loss of independence increase emotional burden.
Medication effects: Some anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) have mood side effects.
Clinical facts:
Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy, often under-recognised and atypical in presentation, yet its timely identification and treatment are essential to improve quality of life, reduce suicidality, and enhance seizure control, highlighting the critical role of psychologists in screening and care (Kanner, A. M., 2006).
Research shows that people with epilepsy face a much higher risk of dying prematurely compared to the general population, especially from external causes like accidents and suicide. A large study in Sweden found that psychiatric conditions, such as depression and substance misuse, play a major role in this increased risk. In fact, over 75% of people with epilepsy who died from accidents or suicide also had a psychiatric disorder. These findings highlight how important it is to prioritise mental health care as part of epilepsy management to protect both emotional wellbeing and life expectancy. (Fazel et al., 2013).
Key Point: Treating mental health proactively is a critical part of epilepsy care, not an optional extra.
Social Withdrawal and Loss of Independence
Baker et al. (1997) found Quality of life (QoL) in people with epilepsy is significantly impacted by seizure control, stigma, psychological distress, and social participation.
Living with uncontrolled seizures can impact social participation in many ways:
Fear of public seizures can cause withdrawal from work, education, or social events.
Loss of driving privileges can reduce independence and employability.
Increased reliance on caregivers can affect self-esteem and autonomy.
Stigma and discrimination may cause shame, loneliness, and isolation.
Key Point: Supporting self-confidence, promoting independence, and fighting stigma are vital components of holistic epilepsy management.
But here’s the hopeful reality: Early, consistent intervention significantly reduces these risks.
Timely diagnosis and care play a vital role in reducing these long-term risks.
Lifestyle Impacts of Living with Epilepsy
Living with epilepsy can influence every part of daily life — not just emotionally and socially, but also physically. Seizures may occur unexpectedly, creating challenges and vulnerabilities that require careful planning and support.
Area | Impact |
Work and Career | Interruptions due to seizures or medical appointments, risk of workplace injuries, stigma, and discrimination may impact opportunities. |
Education | Memory, attention, and learning difficulties can affect school or university performance; fear of seizures in class may lead to anxiety or absenteeism. |
Social Life | Anxiety about having seizures in public can result in reduced participation in social activities, increasing the risk of isolation and loneliness. |
Physical Safety | Seizures may lead to falls, burns, drowning, or injuries during activities like cooking, bathing, or crossing streets, requiring safety adaptations. |
Relationships | Emotional strain on family, friends, and partners; misunderstandings and overprotectiveness can impact autonomy and intimacy. |
Mental Health | Higher risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and low self-esteem due to both neurological and social factors. |
Important:
Uncontrolled seizures increase the risk of serious injury and accidental death.
Psychological resilience and safety planning are critical parts of epilepsy management to support full, empowered living.
Quick Safety Tip:
Simple adjustments — like using shower chairs, avoiding heights, or having seizure response plans at school or work — can significantly reduce everyday risks without limiting independence.
Thriving with epilepsy is not only possible — it’s achievable with the right approach.
Why Managing Epilepsy Proactively Matters
Managing epilepsy proactively means:
Reducing injury risk
Protecting cognitive and emotional health
Building confidence and independence
Improving your overall quality of life
A future filled with travel, laughter, and meaningful connection is possible. You deserve it.
How Is Epilepsy Treated?
Treatment is individualised based on seizure type, severity, and personal factors. Options include:
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs): First-line therapy for most people.
Behavioural and psychological therapies: CBT for stress management, depression, and anxiety linked to epilepsy.
Surgery: Removal of seizure-generating brain tissue (for drug-resistant epilepsy).
Professionally supervised diets: Particularly effective in childhood epilepsy and refractory cases.
Neurostimulation devices:
Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS)
Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
Emerging therapies: Including gene therapy, stem cell treatments, and precision medicine.
Fact Check: 70% of people with epilepsy can achieve seizure control with proper treatment (Epilepsy Foundation, 2024).
Epilepsy Self-Assessment Table: How Well Are You Managing Your Epilepsy?
Self-Management Area | Today (✅/❌) | This Week (✅/❌) | Comments or Observations |
I took my anti-epileptic medication exactly as prescribed. | |||
I got 7–9 hours of quality sleep most nights. | |||
I managed my stress levels with relaxation or coping strategies. | |||
I ate a balanced, brain-healthy diet (low sugar, whole foods). | |||
I stayed well hydrated. | |||
I avoided alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs. | |||
I exercised safely and regularly (e.g., walking, yoga). | |||
I identified and managed any seizure triggers. | |||
I kept a record of any seizures, triggers, or unusual symptoms. | |||
I checked in on my mood (low mood, anxiety, stress) and sought help if needed. | |||
I maintained social connections (family, friends, groups). | |||
I attended or scheduled my regular medical appointments. |
Instructions for Use:
✅ = Yes, I did this today/this week.
❌ = No, I did not manage this area.
Add any notes in the Comments or Observations column (e.g., triggers you noticed, sleep disruptions, medication side effects, stressors).
Goal: Look for patterns — if you notice several ❌ areas consistently, it’s a sign to seek support or make small improvements.
Vital Lifestyle Changes to Manage Epilepsy
While medications and medical treatments are crucial, lifestyle choices play a major role in managing epilepsy effectively. Adopting healthier habits can significantly improve seizure control, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
Alcohol, Smoking, and Vaping
Alcohol lowers the brain’s seizure threshold, making seizures more likely even after small amounts.
Smoking and vaping can interfere with anti-epileptic medications and increase cardiovascular risks, which can further impact brain health.
Heavy smoking also raises the risk of sleep problems and respiratory issues, which are indirect seizure triggers.
Reducing or quitting alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products dramatically improves seizure control and supports better overall brain and heart health.
Tip: If quitting feels overwhelming, seek support through counselling, GP referrals, or specialised quit programs. Your brain deserves the best environment to thrive.
Recreational Substances
High-THC cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., "spice"), cocaine, amphetamines, and other stimulants greatly increase the risk of seizures.
These substances can cause sudden surges in brain activity, destabilising neural networks.
Some recreational drugs also interact dangerously with anti-epileptic medications, reducing their effectiveness or amplifying side effects.
Tip: Always be open and honest with your healthcare team about any substance use. They can help you reduce risks without judgment.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep deprivation is one of the most powerful seizure triggers.
Prioritise 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly to stabilise brain function and support overall health.
Create a consistent bedtime routine with calming activities like reading, listening to gentle music, meditating, or deep breathing exercises.
Learn and practice relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery to ease the transition to sleep.
Avoid screens (TV, phones, computers) at least one hour before bed to reduce stimulation.
Tip: Setting a regular wake-up and bedtime — even on weekends — helps regulate your natural body clock, reducing seizure risk.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can lower seizure threshold by disrupting hormone balance and inflaming the nervous system.
Incorporate daily stress reduction strategies such as:
Mindfulness meditation
Gentle exercise (yoga, tai chi, walking)
Breathing practices (diaphragmatic breathing)
Structured therapy (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Seeing a psychologist skilled in epilepsy management can help you build emotional resilience, develop coping strategies, and reduce stress-related seizure risks.
Tip: Even 5–10 minutes of mindfulness practice per day can make a meaningful difference over time.
Diet and Gut Health
Can a Poor Diet Increase Seizure Risk?
Yes. Poor dietary habits — especially meals high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats — can destabilise blood sugar levels and increase brain inflammation, both of which lower the seizure threshold.
Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, which may trigger seizures in vulnerable individuals.
While normal protein intake is safe, extremely high-protein diets may contribute to metabolic stress if not properly managed.
Prioritising a balanced, nutrient-dense diet helps stabilise brain function and supports better seizure control.
In some cases, medically supervised diets like the ketogenic or low-glycemic index diet can significantly improve outcomes.
Why Gut Health Matters for Brain Function
Brain health starts with gut health. A well-nourished body supports balanced brain function and stable energy levels. Research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome plays a vital role in reducing inflammation, regulating neurotransmitters, and supporting stable brain function — all critical factors in seizure management.
Prioritise nutrient-rich, low-inflammatory foods such as:
Leafy greens
Berries
Oily fish (rich in omega-3s)
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Stay hydrated throughout the day. Even mild dehydration can trigger seizures or worsen cognitive fatigue.
Certain diets, such as the ketogenic diet or modified Atkins diet, have proven benefits for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. These specialised diets must always be medically supervised to ensure nutritional safety and effectiveness.
Tip: Reducing processed foods, sugars, and artificial additives can also help stabilise mood, energy, and seizure thresholds — supporting both gut and brain resilience.
Exercise and Movement
Regular exercise is highly beneficial for most people with epilepsy. Exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports healthy brain function.
Exercise improves:
Sleep quality
Stress management
Cardiovascular fitness
Emotional resilience
Safe activities include:
Walking
Yoga
Swimming with supervision
Low-impact aerobics
Always take appropriate safety measures (e.g., exercising with a partner, avoiding high-risk environments like climbing or unsupervised water sports).
Tip: Consistency matters more than intensity. Gentle daily movement is better than sporadic, intense exercise.
Managing Environmental Triggers
For individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or sensory sensitivity:
Minimise exposure to flashing lights (e.g., strobe lights, video games).
Use blue-light filters on phones, tablets, and computers to reduce visual strain.
Wear polarised sunglasses outdoors and specialised lenses if prescribed for photosensitivity.
Create sensory-friendly environments at work and home by:
Dimming harsh lighting
Reducing noisy, chaotic spaces
Taking regular sensory breaks in busy environments
Tip: Simple adaptations to your surroundings can make a powerful difference in reducing seizure triggers and promoting calm, brain-healthy living.
Quick Takeaway: Lifestyle changes are not just "add-ons" — they are essential components of comprehensive epilepsy management. Small daily choices — like improving sleep, eating well, managing stress, and staying active — add up to big impacts on seizure control, emotional health, and independence.
The Psychological Side: Why Mental Health Support Matters
Living with epilepsy can affect emotional well-being, leading to:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Post-traumatic stress
Identity struggles
Support from a psychologist can help you:
Reframe negative thoughts
Build self-efficacy
Reconnect with hope and possibility
Develop seizure self-management skills
You are not alone. Psychological strength is part of medical strength.
At iflow Psychology, our Sydney therapists specialise in holistic, evidence-based, compassionate support.
What Should You Do if Someone Has a Seizure?
If you witness someone having a seizure:
Stay calm and reassure others nearby.
Time the seizure — call an ambulance if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
Clear the area of dangerous objects.
Gently protect their head with a cushion or clothing.
Do not restrain their movements.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
If possible, roll them onto their side after the seizure (recovery position).
Stay with them after the seizure until they regain awareness. Knowing what to do can save lives and reduce injury.
Important Safety Precautions After a Seizure: What Supporters Should Do
After a seizure, a person's ability to make safe decisions is often temporarily impaired. They may feel alert but still experience confusion, poor judgment, emotional distress, or physical fatigue. Because insight can be reduced, family members, friends, colleagues, or carers need to step in and ensure safety actively.
Key Steps After Immediate Recovery
Prevent them from driving or operating machinery. Do not allow the person to drive, ride a bicycle, operate heavy machinery, or engage in activities requiring full alertness until they are fully recovered and medically cleared.
Ensure they do not travel alone. Arrange for them to stay in a safe, familiar place or accompany them if travel is necessary. Travelling alone immediately after a seizure increases the risk.
Delay major decisions. Gently advise the person not to make financial, legal, or important personal decisions until they fully regain cognitive clarity.
Guide them to a quiet, safe space. Help them move to a calm, low-stimulation environment where they can rest and recover without pressure.
Stay with them until full recovery. A responsible adult should remain with the person until they return to their normal level of awareness, communication, and orientation.
Important Reminder: Even if the person insists they feel "fine," temporary cognitive and emotional effects are common after seizures. Supportive, protective actions by others are critical to prevent accidents, injuries, or additional distress during recovery.
Safety Tips for People with Epilepsy
Driving: Follow state laws. In Australia, seizure-free periods (usually 6–12 months) are required before driving is permitted.
Swimming: Always swim with supervision; wear a life vest.
Cooking: Use microwave ovens; avoid cooking with open flames when alone.
Bathroom safety: Take showers rather than baths where possible.
Smart safety strategies mean greater independence and reduced risk.
Transferring Care and Sleeping Safely After a Seizure
After initial recovery, the person mustn't be left alone. Seizures — even when they appear to have ended — can have lingering effects on awareness, breathing, and decision-making.
Key Steps After Immediate Recovery:
Transfer care to a trusted family member or carer. A responsible adult should take over supervision to ensure ongoing safety, provide reassurance, and monitor for delayed symptoms.
Allow rest and sleep with supervision. It is normal to feel exhausted after a seizure. Rest and sleep can aid recovery. However, during the initial sleep period:
Ensure their breathing is normal.
Check skin colour (watch for pallor or bluish tint).
Check responsiveness periodically.
Place them in the recovery position (on their side) if there are any breathing concerns.
Monitor for delayed problems. If the person becomes difficult to rouse, has unusual breathing, or shows signs of another seizure, seek medical help immediately.
Document and report. Record the seizure duration, symptoms, and post-recovery behaviour to assist future medical care.
🔍 Important Reminder: Support, rest, and supervised recovery dramatically reduce risks after a seizure and promote emotional and physical healing.
Children, Adolescents, and Family Support
When epilepsy affects children or teens, family resilience is crucial.
Key strategies:
Advocate for Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) at school.
Create a supportive and open family environment.
Encourage age-appropriate independence and self-management.
Families can become the greatest ally in a child’s epilepsy journey.
FAQs About Epilepsy
1. Can epilepsy ever be cured?
Some types, like childhood epilepsy syndromes, may resolve over time. Others require long-term management, but people can lead full, empowered lives with the right treatment.
2. Will epilepsy get worse over time?
Not usually. Early diagnosis, effective treatment, and a healthy lifestyle protect brain health and reduce the risks of progression.
3. Is it safe to exercise with epilepsy?
Yes! Exercise improves mood, brain health, and resilience. Just follow safety tips like avoiding heights or swimming alone.
4. Can counselling really help with epilepsy?
Absolutely. Psychologists can help manage stress, build emotional resilience, and improve overall quality of life — vital for people living with epilepsy.
5. What if I feel embarrassed about my epilepsy?
You’re not alone. Building confidence and self-acceptance is a journey; support is available every step.
6. When should I seek help?
Anytime, especially if seizures are affecting your safety, confidence, or emotional well-being, it’s never too early to reach out.
7. Is it dangerous to sleep after a seizure?
Sleep is natural and often helpful after a seizure, but someone should monitor breathing and responsiveness for at least the first hour post-seizure.
Conclusion: Take Your First Step Today with iflow Psychology
You have the strength within you to make life better, starting now.
At iflow Psychology, our caring Sydney-based psychologists are ready to walk alongside you, whether you’re seeking emotional resilience, practical strategies, or hope.
👉 Contact iflow Psychology today and build a healthier, freer and more empowered future.
References
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Fazel, S., Wolf, A., Långström, N., Newton, C. R., & Lichtenstein, P. (2013). Premature mortality in epilepsy and the role of psychiatric comorbidity: a total population study. Lancet (London, England), 382(9905), 1646–1654. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60899-5
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Novak, A., Vizjak, K., & Rakusa, M. (2022). Cognitive Impairment in People with Epilepsy. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(1), 267. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010267
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World Health Organization. (2024). Epilepsy: Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy
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