EPILEPSY AND
ADOLESCENCE
During school, college and university, should I tell others about my condition?
Other people should know, because they are in the frontline to support you for example if a seizure happens, but you may want to choose who you tell about your epilepsy.
To know the cause of your epilepsy and the triggers of the seizures can support you and avoid situations that can bring some discomfort. Depending on how you feel physically and emotionally, it may affect your well-being, concentration or memory and consequently the learning process. Being able to manage your seizures so that they have the minimal impact might help improve how you feel. Generally looking after yourself, for example getting enough sleep and eating well, can also help. Some people find it helpful to talk to friends or to a university counsellor.
How can I control epilepsy during my learning process?
Can I continue with my social life despite this condition?
The lifestyle of an adolescence is very particular, and late nights, early exposure alcohol and drugs can be part of this phase. However, these can also be understood as triggers of seizures and can affect substantially your daily life. The understanding of these triggers can help to avoid them and contribute for a correct balance.
Driving is one of the big goals of teenagers and acquiring a drive license is an achievement. A lot of people with epilepsy can drive, however there are safety concerns that need to be understood and a review of your medical status can be necessary. If a driver’s license is not possible to obtained during adolescence or if the teen presents uncontrolled seizures that do not allow him/her to obtain a driver`s license , other alternatives to driving can include riding with friends, carpools and public transportation.
Can I drive a motor vehicle?
BackIndependence can be also visible through a commitment with a new job or a part-time work. This step should not compromise a healthy personal life. So, if it interferes with correct sleep cycle or if it brings more stress for everyday life, you can increase the risk of seizures. In this way, you should always remember to limit the number of hours worked, and to balance the demands of school and job.
