What benefits can someone with epilepsy get?
You may be entitled to benefits, depending on how your epilepsy affects you. This might include Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit and Attendance Allowance. You will need to meet certain requirements in order to qualify for these benefits.
What support do people with epilepsy need?
If you care for someone with epilepsy, the things you do to support them may include: keeping them safe during a seizure. calling for medical help, or giving first aid or emergency medication. staying with them or seeing them home safely after a seizure.
What professionals help people with epilepsy?
Epileptologists- doctors trained in neurology (disorders of the brain) and have additional training in diagnosing and treating people with epilepsy.
Does epilepsy qualify as a disability?
Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book.
Can you drive if you are epileptic?
To drive, you must meet all normal driving requirements and must have been completely free of seizures for one year, with or without taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Different regulations may apply if your seizures do not affect your consciousness (see below).
Can someone with epilepsy live alone?
But just because epilepsy has its challenges, doesn't mean that independent living is impossible. Some people may live on their own, alone or with immediate families. Others may need a more structured or supervised living arrangement.
What are the 4 types of epilepsy?
There are four main types of epilepsy: focal, generalized, combination focal and generalized, and unknown. A person's seizure type determines what kind of epilepsy they have....Generalized epilepsyjerking movements.weakness or limp limbs.tense, rigid muscles.muscle twitching.full-body epileptic spasms.
Where is the best place to treat epilepsy?
The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) rates all Mayo Clinic campuses as level 4 epilepsy centers, providing the highest level of diagnosis and treatment options for people with epilepsy.
Where is the best treatment for epilepsy?
AEDs are the most commonly used treatment for epilepsy. They help control seizures in around 7 out of 10 of people. AEDs work by changing the levels of chemicals in your brain. They do not cure epilepsy, but can stop seizures happening.
Does epilepsy get worse with age?
The incidence of any type of seizure increases substantially over the age of 60, commonly due to other neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke.
Does epilepsy affect memory?
The epilepsy may cause difficulties with being able to store memories. Research has shown that people with epilepsy are prone to forget things more quickly than others.
What kind of brain damage do seizures cause?
Seizures, particularly repetitive seizures, cause substantial brain damage in highly susceptible areas, such as parts of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, amygdala, thalamus and other limbic structures; however, neuronal death after seizures can be more widespread and is generally quite variable (e.g., [24, 77]).
What are the management strategies for person with epilepsy?
Keep a record of your seizures and seizure triggers to track patterns and learn how to avoid seizure triggers. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Exercise regularly and safely each day. Follow a well-balanced diet and keep a healthy weight.
What should people with epilepsy avoid?
Here are some of the seizure triggers that have been reported by people with epilepsy:Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed.Feeling tired and not sleeping well.Stress.Alcohol and recreational drugs.Flashing or flickering lights.Monthly periods.Missing meals.Having an illness which causes a high temperature.
What activities should epileptics avoid?
Activities to Avoid People with uncontrolled seizures should avoid dangerous activities like scuba diving, rock climbing, skydiving, hang gliding, and mountain climbing. These sports require full concentration, and any episode of loss of consciousness may lead to injury and possible death.
What problems do people with epilepsy face?
People with epilepsy are more likely to have psychological problems, especially depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Problems may be a result of difficulties dealing with the condition itself as well as medication side effects, but even people with well-controlled epilepsy are at increased risk.