The diagnosis of epilepsy carries with it many psychosocial consequences including:
Self-image issues:
- Embarrassment regarding experiencing seizures, including collapse, fitting, vomiting and/or incontinence.
- Consequences of medication side-effects.
- Labelling and common perceptions.
- Limitations with regard to leisure and/or employment activities.
Vocational issues:
- Limited ability to work in certain occupations due either to:
- Risk of seizures.
- Medication side effects.
- Affected occupations may include:
- Transport.
- Emergency Services.
- Armed Forces.
- Occupations necessitating shift work.
- Occupations involving working in dangerous locations.
- Other limiting factors may include:
- Driving regulations may affect commuting.
- Associated disabilities.
- Employer or work colleague prejudices.
Driving issues:
- Usual recommendation is not to drive for one year
following an unprovoked seizure. - Driving after provoked seizures needs to be discussed with a Rehabilitation Specialist or with the DVLA – At a Glance.
- Return to driving may also be influenced by other consequences of the brain injury (cognitive, visual/ perceptual or physical impairments).
