Lifestyle & Independent Living
Managing epilepsy is more than managing seizures. Explore resources that address independent living and quality of life.
How Can Epilepsy Impact Your Lifestyle and Independence?
Many aspects of epilepsy can affect your lifestyle and independence, including work, school, travel, and transportation. Both your diagnosis and your environment have an impact. This includes things like:
- Seizure type, severity, or frequency
- After effects or postictal symptoms of a seizure
- Side effects of medications and treatments
- Other neurological and developmental challenges
- Available resources and support, including the area you live in
- Cost of living and financial stability
But just because epilepsy has its challenges, doesn’t mean that independent living is impossible. Some people may live on their own, alone or with immediate families. Others may need a more structured or supervised living arrangement.
Diet & Exercise
The right fitness and nutrition plan are a big part of managing epilepsy. For example, the right diet and exercise can improve your seizure control. Of course, it’s important to understand how to safely approach nutrition and exercise.
Learn more about diet and exercise with epilepsyFamily Planning
Recent research has taught us women with epilepsy are just as likely to achieve pregnancy as women without epilepsy. However, pregnancy can still carry certain risks. It’s important to understand how seizures and seizure medications can impact family planning.
Learn how epilepsy can affect family planningEmployment Help
Today people with epilepsy are working thousands of different jobs around the country. Having seizures may make your job hunt more challenging but not impossible—especially with the increase in remote opportunities. The better qualified you are for a position, the better your chances of success.
Learn how to manage your epilepsy at workFinancial Planning
Having a financial plan is especially important for people with epilepsy. You’ll want to be prepared in the case you must miss work or are no longer able to work. Understand the questions you need to ask and the resources to look out for when developing a plan for your finances.
Learn more about financial planning with epilepsyTravel Planning
Whether it’s a family vacation or a trip for work, most of us will travel at some time during the year. You may have special questions and concerns about types of travel, and what safety issues to consider. The right planning can help you manage seizures safely when traveling or in unfamiliar situations.
Learn more about making travel plans with epilepsySummer Camp
If you’re a parent of a child with epilepsy, the idea of summer camp can seem scary. But camps can provide benefits that improve your child's ability to cope with, and manage their seizures. Our summer camp resources can help you explore the benefits of camp for your children, while recognizing inherent risks and concerns.
Learn more about summer camp for children with epilepsyDriving and Transportation
The laws determining which medical conditions may prevent you from driving vary from state to state. In most states, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reviews your medical information and license application. We can help you look up your state’s driving laws and know what to expect from the process.
Learn about driving laws and reporting for epilepsyRelated Resources
Epilepsy & Seizures 24/7 Helpline
Call 1-800-332-1000 to speak with an information specialist or submit a question online.
Lifestyle and Communication Toolkit
A list of self-management tools, SUDEP resources, and lifestyle and safety resources.
Wellness Support Toolkit
Explore how we define wellness and the choices that lead to a fulfilling life.
My Seizure Diary
My Seizure Diary helps you record, track, and manage your seizures and epilepsy.
