Home
Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Epilepsy Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.

Answers to questions about epilepsy

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How well can taking medicine control my epilepsy?

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) prevent you from having seizures by controlling the excitability of your brain. Scientists don't yet fully understand the ways in which they do this.

Explanation

Seizures can be controlled with AEDs in about seven out of 10 people, once they have found the medication that works best for them. There are many different AEDs which can be used to control your seizures. Most AEDs work for several different types of epilepsy, so you will often be able to choose a drug that you find suits you the best. Most people only need to take one type of AED, but for some it's necessary to take two or more different AEDs together.

The amount of time that it takes for the AEDs to start controlling your seizures varies. Some people find that their seizures stop almost as soon as they have started taking AEDs. For others it can take a lot longer before you start to see the effects of your medication.

Unfortunately, AEDs do have some side-effects. Common side-effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, double vision and rash. These will vary depending on which type of AED you're taking. A full list of side-effects can be found on the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. Always ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You will probably start on a low dose of an AED. Your doctor will increase it gradually until your seizures are under control. If, as your dose increases, you find that you're suffering from severe side-effects, then let your doctor know and he or she will consider changing you to a different AED.

Most AEDS need to be taken twice a day. Young children may need to take them more frequently. You need to make sure that you take your medication exactly as you were instructed to by your doctor. It's essential that you take it regularly in order to prevent seizures.

AEDs can affect the way that other medicines you may be taking work. This is particularly important if you're taking the contraceptive pill. Many AEDs increase your body's ability to break the pill down, meaning that it no longer works. If you're taking the contraceptive pill then your doctor should be able to give you a higher dose so that it is still effective. If this isn't possible, you may need to use a different method of contraception.

Further information

Sources

  • Treatment with anti-epileptic medication. Epilepsy Action. www.epilepsy.org.uk, accessed 17 July 2008
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005; 618-619
  • Epilepsy information: medication for adults with epilepsy. The National Society for Epilepsy. www.epilepsynse.org.uk, accessed 15 July 2008
  • Walker DM, Shorvon PS. Understanding epilepsy. Family Doctor Publications in association with The British Medical Association, 2001:29-35
  • Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary. 55th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 243-258
back to top

Are you born with epilepsy or can you develop it later in life?

Epilepsy can affect anyone, and start at any age.

Explanation

Epilepsy can start in people of all ages. However, it's most often diagnosed in people aged either under 18 or over 65. This is because many of the causes of epilepsy are more common in childhood (such as difficulties at birth, childhood infections or accidents) or when you are much older (such as strokes). Many people who develop epilepsy before they are 20 grow out of it and stop having seizures when they are older.

Further information

Sources

  • Information on epilepsy. The National Society for Epilepsy. www.epilepsynse.org.uk, accessed 15 July 2008
  • Epilepsy facts, figures and terminology. Epilepsy Action. www.epilepsy.org.uk, accessed 15 July 2008
back to top

Will having epilepsy cause any complications if I get pregnant?

Yes, there is a slightly higher risk of complications. Because of this, it's best if you can plan ahead and get medical advice before you become pregnant.

Explanation

Some anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) can affect how your baby grows and develops in your womb, particularly during the first three months of your pregnancy. If you take AEDs during your pregnancy, there is a slightly higher risk of your baby having a birth defect. This risk depends on which AEDs you're taking and at what dose. Because of this risk, it's best if you can speak to your doctor before you get pregnant, if at all possible. They will arrange medical advice known as pre-conception counselling, which is usually provided by an epilepsy specialist. The specialist will assess your epilepsy and what kind of medication you're taking. They will then let you know whether there are any risks this could pose to your unborn baby and how these risks could be reduced.

Although you may prefer not to take your medication during pregnancy, if you stop you're more likely to have a seizure that could harm you or your unborn baby. So if you're still likely to have seizures you will probably be advised to continue taking your medication during your pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest that you take the lowest possible dose of your AED, or switch to another one which poses less risk to your baby. You will be given an ultrasound scan about 18 to 20 weeks into your pregnancy to check your baby for any abnormalities.

If you're taking certain AEDs, there is also a risk that your baby may be born deficient in vitamin K, which we need to make our blood clot. Because of this, your baby may need to have a vitamin K injection shortly after he or she is born.

If you have epilepsy, are pregnant, and are living in the UK, you can join the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register. This register was set up to record information about women with epilepsy throughout their pregnancy and after their baby is born. It provides useful information on which AEDs are the safest to take during pregnancy and on the effects of having a seizure while you're pregnant. It's hoped that doctors will be able to use this information to give advice to other women with epilepsy in the future.

Further information

Sources

  • Planning a baby. Epilepsy Action. www.epilepsy.org.uk, accessed 17 July 2008
  • Information on epilepsy: pregnancy and parenting. The National Society for Epilepsy. www.epilepsynse.org.uk, accessed 18 July 2008
  • Information leaflets: frequently asked questions. The National Society for Epilepsy. www.epilepsynse.org.uk, accessed 18 July 2008
  • The epilepsies: the diagnosis and management of the epilepsies in adults and children in primary and secondary care. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). 2004. www.nice.org.uk
back to top

Is there a chance that I could pass my epilepsy on to my child?

Yes, there is a higher risk of your child getting epilepsy if you, or both you and your partner, have it.

Explanation

The risk of your child getting epilepsy if neither you nor your partner have it is between 0.5 and one percent. If one of you has epilepsy then the risk is four percent, and if both you and your partner have it then the risk increases to between 15 and 20 percent.

The risk varies between people so it's best to discuss this with your doctor or a geneticist (a doctor who specialises in genetics). They will be able to give you more accurate advice on the possible risk of your child inheriting epilepsy.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:618-619
  • Information on epilepsy: pregnancy and parenting. The National Society for Epilepsy. www.epilepsynse.org.uk, accessed 18 July 2008
back to top

Related topics

back to top

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: February 2009

 

Rate this page

Up to £100 off a Bupa Health assessment

Bupa health insurance

Free online health check

Bupa Care Homes

Bupa travel cover