Epilepsy: What To Do
A tendency to recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Last revised
Most people become seizure-free on medication, and the practical risks — driving, swimming, medication adherence — are where the harm usually is.
Key takeaways
- Diagnosis: clinical, supported by EEG and imaging
- Driving: DVLA must be informed; licence rules depend on seizure freedom
- Most useful single change: Take medication at the same times every day.
- Commonest mistake: Stopping or changing medication without specialist advice.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
Do
- Take medication at the same times every day
- Tell the DVLA and follow the driving rules
- Identify and manage triggers such as sleep deprivation and alcohol
- Discuss contraception and pregnancy plans early with your specialist
Do not
- Stopping or changing medication without specialist advice
- Swimming or bathing alone if seizures are not controlled
- Sodium valproate in anyone who could become pregnant, without strict conditions
The figures behind the list
Each item above follows from these, published in the guidance named at the foot of the page.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | clinical, supported by EEG and imaging |
| Driving | DVLA must be informed; licence rules depend on seizure freedom |
| Medication | most people become seizure-free on treatment |
| Sodium valproate | must not be used in pregnancy without strict conditions |
| Status epilepticus | a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is an emergency |
Where to go next
- Epilepsy: The Questions People Actually Ask
- Epilepsy: Just the Figures
- Epilepsy — the reference entry
- Hearing and the Brain: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- The Evidence on Brain and Diet, Without the Hype
When to get help
Call 999 for a seizure lasting more than five minutes, repeated seizures without recovery in between, a first-ever seizure, a seizure with injury, or difficulty breathing afterwards. Do not restrain someone or put anything in their mouth; protect their head and turn them on their side once it stops.
Where this comes from
- NICE — Epilepsies in children, young people and adults
- Epilepsy Action — seizure first aid
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.