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Epilepsy - what to ask your doctor - adult

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Brain surgery
Epilepsy
Epilepsy - resources
Partial (focal) seizure
Petit mal seizure
Seizures
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Patient Instructions

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Epilepsy or seizures - discharge

You have epilepsy. People with epilepsy have seizures. A seizure is a sudden brief change in the electrical activity in your brain. It leads to brief unconsciousness and uncontrollable body movements.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of yourself if you have epilepsy.

Questions

What safety measures do I need to take at home to prevent injuries when I have a seizure?

Is it okay for me to drive? Where can I call to find more information about driving and epilepsy?

What should I discuss with my boss at work about my epilepsy?

Are there any sports activities that I should not do? Do I need to wear a helmet for any type of activities?

Do I need to wear a medical alert bracelet?

What do I need to know about my seizure medicines?

How often do I need to see the doctor? When do I need blood tests?

What are the signs that my epilepsy is becoming worse?

What should others with me do when I am having a seizure? After the seizure is over, what should they do? When should they call the doctor? When should we call 911?

Alternative Names

What to ask your doctor about epilepsy - adult; Seizures - what to ask your doctor - adult

Update Date: 3/7/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


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