Other questions

Is it true that seizures are often brought on by flashing lights?

The percentage of people with epilepsy who have photosensitive epilepsy triggered by flickering or changing patterns of light is 3-5%. If this includes you, you might have a seizure watching TV. Try not to get too close to the screen and use a remote control to change channels.

Do I need to take extra precautions for travelling abroad?

Keep your medicines in your hand baggage and keep your medicines in their original container so customs can see what the drug is; these are sensible tips for anyone on medication.

Can women with epilepsy still have babies?

Women with epilepsy can have children but need to discuss their medication with their doctor before trying to become pregnant. There's no reason why women with epilepsy can't have successful pregnancies but care needs to be taken while you are trying to become, and while you are, pregnant as some medications may harm your developing baby. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide about the benefit of not having seizures against the risk from the medications.

Do epilepsy medicines effect contraception?

The effect of the contraceptive pill is reduced by some antiepileptic drugs. If you are taking "the pill" and are prescribed an antiepileptic drug, tell your doctor straight away so that you can discuss your options if you happen to be taking one of the antiepileptic drugs which reduces the effect of the pill.

What tests can doctors do to be sure I have epilepsy?

Attaching wires to your head and measuring brain activity will tell, in most cases, if you have epilepsy. This test is called an electroencephalogram (EEG). Soft pads with wires coming out of them are placed on your head and the wires are connected to a machine. The test shouldn't hurt at all and only takes about half an hour.

Sometimes another test - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - is done to look at pictures of the brain and check if it is normal. You lie down and keep very still as you pass through a narrow tunnel. Again, it doesn't hurt.

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