Common triggers
- missing medicine
- lack of sleep
- stress
- alcohol and recreational drugs
- illness and high temperature
- flashing lights, for a small number of people
A seizure diary can help you spot patterns.
Safety
- have showers rather than baths, or have someone nearby
- use guards on fires and cookers
- swim with someone who knows about your epilepsy
- consider a seizure alarm or monitor, especially at night
Driving
You must tell the DVLA if you have epilepsy or have had a seizure. You must stop driving. Usually you can reapply for a car licence after 12 months without a seizure. There are different rules for some situations, and stricter rules for lorries and buses.
Pregnancy and contraception
Some epilepsy medicines affect contraception, and some can harm an unborn baby. Talk to your specialist before trying for a baby. Do not stop your medicine suddenly.
SUDEP
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is rare, but the risk is higher if seizures are not controlled, especially at night. Good seizure control lowers the risk.
Support
Epilepsy Action and the Epilepsy Society run free helplines.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.