Information for Adults with Epilepsy

The impact that epilepsy has on adults is varied yet significant. People with epilepsy face challenges in multiple environments and settings--both personal, professional, and psychological. In order to END EPILEPSY, is important to know your rights as an adult with epilepsy as well as equip yourself with the right resources and tools to overcome such challenges and promote safe, positive environments in which to thrive

Driving & Epilepsy 

Can you drive an automobile if you have epilepsy? Yes, if your seizures are controlled with treatment and you meet the licensing requirements in your state. Every state regulates the driver's license eligibility of persons with certain medical conditions. The most common requirement for people with epilepsy is that they be seizure free for a specified period of time and submit a physician's evaluation of their ability to drive safely. Another common requirement is the periodic submission of medical reports, in some states for a specified period of time and in others for as long as the person remains licensed.

     - California Driver Licensing Laws (PDF)
     - Drivers Licensing (Position Statement) (PDF)

Public Transportation & Paratransit Services

People with epilepsy may not be able to drive or may have restricted licenses, making it difficult getting to necessary places. Not driving may limit their ability to work, to get out in the community, or to get to appointments. Public transportation may help; however, it is not always accessible or appropriate. Check to see if there are paratransit services in your area.

Employment

People with epilepsy can face significant challenges in the workplace, and many advocacy efforts are underway to increase the employment and success rates for people with epilepsy in the workplace. The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted to prohibit disability-based discrimination. Many provisions of the ADA have particular impact on people with epilepsy, including inclusion for safety-sensitive jobs and reasonable accommodation. View the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment (ADAA) (PDF).

     - Deciding whether to disclose your epilepsy (PDF)
     - Questions & Answers about Epilepsy in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)(PDF)

Government Assistance (Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid)

The federal government offers financial assistance and health insurance to people with epilepsy who qualify. The two primary financial assistance programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The two primary health insurance programs are Medicaid and Medicare. These programs are administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. States may also provide medical and financial assistance.

Relationships

Men and women who have epilepsy marry and have children just like other people. However, as a group they tend to have a slightly lower marriage and reproduction rate and some men may report a lower sex drive. There are potential questions and concerns regarding relationships, sex, and reproduction.

Social Isolation & Depression

Some people with epilepsy hide their condition, but this can lead to feelings of isolation, helplessness, and even depression. Speaking up and talking about epilepsy erases some of the anxiety and alleviates many of these feelings. The depression itself may or may not be linked to epilepsy. Below are some of the factors that influence depression in people with epilepsy.

• Mood disorders. For some, the mood disorder may be associated with the seizure itself. Mood changes may occur before, during or after a seizure. In others, mood changes are not related to the timing of a seizure, but relate to where the seizure is coming from in the brain. A seizure that comes from an emotional center in the brain may be more likely to produce a change in mood.
• Frequency of seizures. People who have seizures frequently may be more likely to feel depressed than people who have well-controlled seizures. In some instances, the side effects of treatment, such as use of antiepileptic drugs, may affect mood. If this happens, a change of treatment may help.
• Lifestyle risk factors. In one study, four factors were linked to depression: poor adjustment to seizures, increases in stressful life events, financial stress and being a woman. Also, people who feel "controlled" by their epilepsy and feel that it dominates their lives may be more susceptible to mood disorders.