Talk with your doctor about epilepsy. Talking openly and often with your doctor can help you make the best choices.
Here are some tips that will help:
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have one more person hear what is said and think of things to ask.
- Write your questions so you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you grasp what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need to.
- Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find out more. You have a right to know.
- What causes it?
- Does having a seizure mean that I have it?
- What are the health problems that could happen?
- Can it cause death?
- Can I lower my risk?
- One of my parents has epilepsy. Does that mean I will get it too?
- Is medicine the best way to treat my epilepsy?
- Will I have to take it for the rest of my life?
- How will it help? What side effects might happen?
- Medicine is not helping me. Are there other things I can try?
- When should I think about surgery as a choice?
- Can surgery cause other problems with my brain?
- What is the success rate?
- Which surgery is best for me?
- What are the health problems I could have from it?
- Are there any other therapies that I should think about getting?
- Are there things that I may have to stop doing?
- What are the rules about driving? Will I be able to drive?
- Will I be able to work?
- Do I have to tell my boss?
- Is it safe for me to get pregnant?
- Is it okay to take birth control pills and seizure medicine?
- Will my seizure medicine cause problems with my other medicines?
- How well does medicine control epilepsy?
- Can I live a normal life on medicine?
- Can I live a normal life after surgery?
- Are there support groups for people and their loved ones?
References
Epilepsy in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/epilepsy-in-adults. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Epilepsy in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/epilepsy-in-children. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Epilepsy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Epilepsy-Information-Page. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Tips for talking to your doctor. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 03/2022
- Update Date: 04/08/2022