Epilepsy is... ... controlled by medication

Medicines which are used to stop seizures are called antiepileptic medications.

When you have epilepsy and you have seizures, the doctor will give you medicine to take - and tell you how much and how often you should take it.

Most children with epilepsy take medicine or tablets every day to control their seizures.

It is important to take it the same time every day because your body uses up the medicine just like a car uses up petrol.

Some children will still have seizures once in a while, even if taking medicine.

The doctor may change the medicine if she/he thinks another one will work better. It is important to find the very best medicine to stop the kind of seizures you have.

Sometimes the medicine might make you feel dizzy, tired, upset your stomach, or make you see double.

If you feel different, tell your parents or doctor.

If you want to know more about your medicines, email us or call:
1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45 37)

Medicines Line Australia 1300 888 763 to speak to a pharmacist.

...sometimes controlled by surgery

Sometimes, medicines don't seem to help some people's seizures very much, no matter how many they try.

If seizures are stopping someone from leading a happy, healthy and active life, then for some types of epilepsy, the doctor might say that an operation can help.

Surgery is a big decision, so it is important to try medicines first.

Some types of epilepsy cannot be helped by surgery. The doctor will tell you if your type of epilepsy can be improved by surgery.

For more information on surgery and treatments for epilepsy -
Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne...

... a healthy life

People with epilepsy should be healthy.

So this means getting a good night's sleep, eating properly, relaxing and have lots of fun and activity with family and friends.

Late nights, missing meals, missing medicines and getting worried about things may start seizures in some people with epilepsy.

It is important to live a normal, active life, play sports and mix with friends. This will not make you have more seizures.

Epilepsy is just part of your life - a few seconds or a few minutes out of all the interesting things you see and do. And the more things you do, the less important epilepsy will seem to be!

Remember, too, that you are not alone. There are many people have epilepsy who lead a normal, happy, healthy life.

Go to Can A Seizure Kill Me?

Email us or call

1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45 37)
Australia-Wide Priority Call