Find Support
- Call the 24/7 helpline when you have questions CDC supports the Epilepsy Foundation’s 24/7 Helpline, which has trained information specialists to answer questions about epilepsy and seizures and can link you to resources in your community. ...
- Get help paying for medicine Do you need help paying for medicine? ...
- Find mental health resources and tools ...
- Find online information or community events ...
Full Answer
What programs are available for people living with epilepsy?
At the Epilepsy Foundation, our programs support people living with epilepsy, families, friends, and caregivers. These programs can tackle complex issues like SUDEP support or simply bring joy to children living with epilepsy. Many of our programs are available through your local Epilepsy Foundation or local partners.
Where can I get help for my child with epilepsy?
We offer programs both nationally and through local Epilepsy Foundations. At the Epilepsy Foundation, our programs support people living with epilepsy, families, friends, and caregivers. These programs can tackle complex issues like SUDEP support or simply bring joy to children living with epilepsy.
What do we do to help people with epilepsy?
We provide a range of educational opportunities, programs, and services. We offer programs both nationally and through local Epilepsy Foundations. At the Epilepsy Foundation, our programs support people living with epilepsy, families, friends, and caregivers.
What support is available for people with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy?
We can connect you with support groups, travel assistance programs, and respite care for families. The SUDEP Institute works to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) through research. It also offers support services to people bereaved by SUDEP and other epilepsy-related deaths.
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 help is there for epilepsy?
medicines called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) surgery to remove a small part of the brain that's causing the seizures. a procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures. a special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures.
Does epilepsy qualify for SSI?
Adults with epilepsy may be eligible for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI, for those who paid taxes into the Social Security system) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI, for low-income people). To qualify for either SSI or SSDI, epileptic seizures have to occur regularly (see below).
Is epilepsy covered by disability?
Is Epilepsy Considered A Disability? Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book.
Does epilepsy qualify for disability tax credit?
People living with severe epilepsy not controlled by medications often find it challenging to obtain the disability tax credit (DTC) because the condition falls into a grey area. However, people with epilepsy and family members supporting people with the condition have avenues to take in order to receive the DTC.
What jobs can't you do with epilepsy?
If you have seizures, you may not be able to do jobs that risk your safety or the safety of other people....These include:jobs that involve driving.working at heights, near open water or fire.working with unguarded machinery.
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.
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.
Can you get free travel if you have epilepsy?
If you have epilepsy and are still having seizures, you may be entitled to free, or discounted, travel on buses, coaches, trams, tubes, or trains. This is usually because you would be refused a driving licence if you applied.
Can epileptics drive?
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).
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]).
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 medication stops a seizure immediately?
The names of benzodiazepines that are most commonly used as rescue medications include diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam, and midazolam. The availability of these medicines in different forms and how they are used may vary from country to country.
What triggers epilepsy?
Missed medication, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and menstruation are some of the most common triggers, but there are many more. Flashing lights can cause seizures in some people, but it's much less frequent than you might imagine.
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.
What should epileptics avoid?
Seizure triggersNot 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.