Version July 2025
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What is epilepsy? —
This is a condition that causes people to have repeated seizures. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can make a person have convulsions, pass out, or move or behave strangely.
Epilepsy can start at any age.
What are the symptoms of a seizure? —
There are different kinds of seizures. Each causes a different set of symptoms. Most seizures last only a few seconds or minutes.
People who have "tonic-clonic" or "grand mal" seizures will suddenly pass out, get stiff, and then have jerking movements. Other types of seizures cause less dramatic symptoms. For instance, some people have shaking movements in just 1 arm or in a part of their face. Others suddenly stop responding and stare for a few seconds.
Sometimes, people know they are about to have a seizure. They have a certain feeling or smell a certain smell. This feeling or smell is called an "aura."
Will I need tests? —
Yes. You will probably have 1 or both of the following:
●Electroencephalogram, or "EEG" – This measures electrical activity in the brain (figure 1).
●CT or MRI scan – These imaging tests create pictures of the brain.
How is epilepsy treated? —
Epilepsy is treated with anti-seizure medicines. These are also called "anti-epileptic" or "anti-convulsant" medicines. They do not cure epilepsy, but they can help prevent seizures. There are different anti-seizure medicines. The right one for you depends on your seizures and other factors.
What should I know about anti-seizure medicines?
●Anti-seizure medicines usually work well to control seizures. Some people might need to try different medicines or take more than 1 kind to find the right treatment.
●These medicines can cause side effects. They can make you feel tired or dizzy, or cause other problems. Tell your doctor about any side effects you have. That way, you can work together to find the best medicine and dose for you.
There are some rare side effects that can be very serious. Tell your doctor right away if you get a new rash or feel like hurting yourself.
●Anti-seizure medicines can affect your other medicines. Plus, other medicines can keep your anti-seizure medicine from working well. Tell your doctor if you start any new prescription or non-prescription medicines, including birth control pills. Some anti-seizure medicines can keep birth control pills from working well. This can lead to an unplanned pregnancy.
●You might need regular blood tests to check the amount of anti-seizure medicine in your body.
●Some people need to take anti-seizure medicines for the rest of their life. But this depends on your situation. If you don't have any seizures for several years, your doctor might talk with you about stopping your medicine. Do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor.
What if medicines do not control my seizures? —
Your doctor might talk with you about other possible treatments. These can include:
●Surgery – Some people can have surgery to remove the small part of their brain that is causing seizures.
●Neurostimulation – Different devices can be used for this. One is called a "vagus nerve stimulator," which is placed under the skin. Others include "responsive cortical stimulation" and "deep brain stimulation."
●Following a "ketogenic" diet – This involves eating foods that are high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. If you are interested in trying this diet, your doctor or nurse can talk to you about how to do this safely.
How can I lower my chances of having more seizures? —
You should:
●Take your medicine exactly as instructed.
●Get enough sleep – Not getting enough sleep raises your chances of having a seizure.
●Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Can I drive if I have epilepsy? —
Each state and country has its own rules. Before you can drive again, you will probably need to be seizure free for a certain amount of time. You might also need to get your doctor's permission.
What if I want to get pregnant? —
Talk with your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. They might change your anti-seizure medicine or prescribe a vitamin called folic acid. But don't ever stop your medicine on your own.
What else should I do if I have epilepsy? —
You should:
●Wear a medical bracelet to let others know about your epilepsy.
●Tell family members and friends how to help you if you have a seizure. They can position you so you will not hurt yourself, but they should not put anything in your mouth. They should time your seizure and call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if it lasts longer than 5 minutes.
●Talk to your doctor about how to stay safe at home. They can suggest ways to lower your chances of getting hurt if you have a seizure. For example, they might tell you to:
•Have wall-to-wall carpet or soft flooring in your home, if possible. This can make it softer if you fall.
•Take showers instead of baths, and use a shower chair.
•Have another person with you if you do activities that could be dangerous, like swimming or using power tools.
•Change some of your habits and routines to lower the risk of hurting yourself or someone else.
The Epilepsy Foundation also has information about staying safe at home: www.epilepsy.com/preparedness-safety/staying-safe/safety-home.
When should I call the doctor? —
Your doctor will make a plan with you that tells you when to call them. In general, call your doctor or nurse if you have more seizures than usual or if your seizures last longer than usual.
Some seizures are a medical emergency. If you have a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if you have 2 or more seizures without waking up in between, the person with you should call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1).
Call your doctor for advice if:
●Your seizures start happening more often.
●Your seizures get worse.
●You have changes in your thoughts or mood, like feeling depressed or anxious.
●Other people notice you are acting differently.
●You have new or worsening weakness, especially if on 1 side of your body.
●You have new or worsening trouble with balance.
●You have side effects from your medicines.
Patient education: Epilepsy and pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Epilepsy in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Seizures (The Basics)
Patient education: EEG (The Basics)
Patient education: Ketogenic diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Time to stop driving? (The Basics)
