Key points

• Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures.
• About 2.9 million U.S. adults had epilepsy in 2021.
• Most people with epilepsy can live a full life.

Overview

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. A seizure is a change in normal brain activity that lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.

There are many different types of epilepsy and seizures.

Epilepsy is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.

Epilepsy is common

• CDC estimates that about 2.9 million U.S. adults had active epilepsy in 2021.

• An estimated 456,000 U.S. children 17 or younger had active epilepsy in 2022.

People with epilepsy can lead full lives

• Epilepsy can affect people in different ways. Many do well with treatment and live a typical life.

• Others can have more than one type of seizure or other medical conditions that make it more challenging

Signs and symptoms

Seizures might look different than you expect

The signs of a seizure depend on which type of seizure it is.

A person with epilepsy is often shown falling down, shaking, and losing awareness in popular media. That's one kind of seizure, but it's not the most common.

More often, someone having a seizure may:

• Seem confused.
• Stare into space.
• Wander.
• Make unusual movements.
• Be unable to answer questions.

Causes

Epilepsy can be caused by different conditions that affect the brain. Some of these causes are preventable. Many times, doctors don't know the cause. Less than half of newly diagnosed cases of epilepsy have a known cause.

Some known causes of epilepsy include:

• Cysticercosis (sis-ter-sir-koh-sis) infection, the leading cause of epilepsy worldwide.
• Stroke.
• Brain tumor.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Loss of oxygen to the brain.
• Genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome).

Key points

• There are two main types of seizures: generalized and focal seizures.
• These types describe where a seizure starts in the brain and how it may affect a person.
• Call 911 if a seizure (of any type) lasts more than 5 minutes or if the person does not wake up fully between seizures.

Overview

Main types of seizures

There are two main types of seizures, named based on where the seizure starts in the brain.

Focal seizures

• Focal seizures – also called “focal onset seizures” – begin on one side of the brain. They may cause changes in awareness, behavior, or sensation, or abnormal movements usually on just one side of the body.

• It is possible for this type of seizure to spread to both sides of the brain. When this happens, it can cause a loss of consciousness and movements on both sides of the body.

Generalized seizures

• Generalized seizures – also called “generalized onset seizures” -- begin (or appear to begin) on both sides of the brain at the same time.
• They usually cause a loss of consciousness or awareness and may also cause abnormal movements on both sides of the body.

A person with epilepsy can have more than one type of seizure.

Describing seizures

Health care providers may use these medical terms when talking about the muscle movements made during seizures:

• Tonic: Muscles become stiff.
• Atonic: Sudden, unexpected loss of muscle strength or tone.
• Myoclonic: Short, lightning-quick, jerking movements.
• Clonic: Periods of rhythmic shaking or jerking movements.

About focal seizures

There are two main types of focal seizures. They are distinguished by whether they cause a loss of awareness. These are:

• Focal onset aware seizures.
• Focal impaired awareness seizures.

Focal onset aware seizures

Focal onset aware seizures do not cause a loss of awareness. A person can sometimes talk during these types of seizures and remember them after they happen. These types of seizures used to be called “simple partial seizures.”

These types of seizures may make someone:

• Feel a sense of déjà vu.
• Have a funny feeling in their stomach.
• Have abnormal movements.

Focal impaired awareness seizures

Focal impaired awareness seizures cause a loss of awareness. They may or may not cause abnormal movements. They used to be called "complex partial seizures."

These types of seizures may make someone:

• Confused or dazed.
• Pick at their clothes.
• Smack their lips.
• Unable to respond to questions or directions for a few minutes.

About generalized seizures

There are many types of generalized seizures. They are primarily distinguished by whether they impact a person’s awareness and body movements. Two main types include:

• Generalized motor seizures.
• Generalized nonmotor seizures.

Generalized motor seizures

Generalized motor seizures cause a person to lose awareness and have muscle movements. Muscles may stiffen, relax, jerk, spasm, or shake. People with this type of seizure may also have a combination of these movements.

"Tonic-clonic" seizures are a kind of generalized motor seizure that many people think of when they hear of a seizure. These cause muscle stiffness and rhythmic jerking. They usually last a few minutes and may cause confusion and tiredness afterwards. These used to be called "grand mal" seizures.

Generalized motor seizures may make someone:

• Cry out.
• Lose consciousness.
• Fall over or down to the ground.
• Have muscle jerks or spasms.

Generalized nonmotor (absence) seizures

Generalized nonmotor or "absence" seizures cause short, sudden lapses of consciousness. They often may not even be noticed. They used to be called "petit mal" seizures.

These types of seizures may make someone to:

• Stare into space.
• Blink their eyes quickly.
• Make chewing or hand movements.

Seeking Emergency Help

Seizures don't usually require emergency medical attention. But there are situations when emergency medical care is needed.

Call 911 if these things happen:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• Another seizure starts soon after the first one.
• The person has trouble breathing or waking up after the seizure.
• The person is injured during the seizure.
• The seizure happens in water.

Important reasons to seek emergency services:

Call 911 if the person having the seizure:

• Has never had a seizure before.
• Has diabetes and loses consciousness.
• Is pregnant.

Many people with epilepsy can do the same things as people without the disorder and have successful and productive lives. One-third or more of people with epilepsy, however, may have cognitive or neuropsychiatric symptoms that can negatively impact their quality of life. Many people with epilepsy who respond to treatment may go months or years without having a seizure.

People with treatment-resistant epilepsy may have as many as hundreds of seizures a day or they may have one seizure a year with sometimes disabling consequences. Having treatment-resistant epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment, particularly if the seizures developed in early childhood. These impairments may be related to the underlying conditions associated with the epilepsy rather than to the epilepsy itself.

Mental Health and Stigmatization

Depression is common among people with epilepsy. In adults with epilepsy, depression and anxiety are the two most frequent mental health diagnoses. Depression or anxiety in people with epilepsy can be treated with counseling or most of the same medications used in people who do not have epilepsy. People with epilepsy should discuss their symptoms of mental health issues with their healthcare professionals so they can receive the appropriate treatments and care.

Children with epilepsy have a higher risk of developing depression and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with their peers. Behavioral problems and/or mental health issues may precede the onset of seizures in some children. Counseling and support groups can help families cope with epilepsy in a positive manner.

Driving and Recreation

Some states may not issue a driver’s license to a person with epilepsy. Individuals with epilepsy may be able to get an exception if they can demonstrate a period of being seizure-free, or if their seizures only happen during sleep.

The risk of seizures may also limit a person’s ability to participate in sports, exercise, or other recreational activities, including climbing, sailing, swimming, or working on ladders. There is some evidence that regular exercise may improve seizure control in some people, but this should be done under a doctor's supervision. The benefits of sports participation may outweigh the risks. Coaches and activity leaders can take appropriate safety precautions. Individuals with epilepsy should avoid dehydration, overexertion, and low blood sugar, as these problems can increase the risk of seizures.

Education and Employment

By law, people with epilepsy in the U.S. cannot be denied employment or access to any educational, recreational, or other activity because of their epilepsy. However, significant barriers still exist for people with epilepsy in school and work. Antiseizure medications may cause side effects that interfere with concentration and memory. Children with epilepsy may need extra time to complete schoolwork, and they may need to have instructions or other information repeated for them. Some children with epilepsy will need special educational plans to help address their learning challenges. Teachers should be given instructions on what to do if a child in their classroom has a seizure, and parents should work with the school system to find reasonable ways to accommodate any special needs their child may have.

Pregnancy and Motherhood

Epilepsy itself does not interfere with the ability to become pregnant and women who have epilepsy and take appropriate precautions have similar odds of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child to women without a chronic medical condition. With the appropriate selection of safe antiseizure medications during pregnancy, use of supplemental folic acid, and ideally, with pre-pregnancy planning, most people with epilepsy can have a healthy pregnancy with good outcomes for themselves and their developing child.

Women with epilepsy should be advised that some antiseizure medications carry an increased risk of birth defects. It is important to work with a team of providers that includes a neurologist and an obstetrician to learn about any special risks associated with epilepsy and antiseizure medications.

Children of parents with epilepsy have about five percent risk of developing the condition at some point, compared to roughly one percent in a child in the general population. However, the risk of developing epilepsy increases if a parent has a hereditary form of the disorder. Parents who are concerned that their epilepsy may be hereditary may wish to consult a genetics health care provider to determine their risk of passing on the disorder.

Key points

• Certain injuries, infections, and conditions can cause epilepsy.
• You can prevent some types of epilepsy by lowering your chances of getting those injuries, infections, and other conditions.

Prevention strategies

Prevent traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion can cause epilepsy.

Tips for preventing TBI and concussion:

• Wear seat belts when driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Make sure children sit in properly installed car or booster seats.
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bike or doing certain sports.
• Prevent falls, especially in adults 65 or older and children 17 or younger.

Lower your risk of stroke

Stroke can cause epilepsy. You can lower your chances of stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Be physically active.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
• Learn to manage your stress.

Prevent cysticercosis infection

The most common cause of epilepsy globally is cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the eggs of a tapeworm. The infection can occur when eggs are swallowed after a person eats something that has tapeworm eggs on it. Once in the body, the eggs hatch and can move into tissues, forming cysts in the brain, muscles, or other tissues. When the cysts are in the brain, this is called neurocysticercosis, which causes epilepsy.

Wash your hands and prepare food safely

• Wash hands regularly and practice good hygiene.
• Prepare food safely.
• Drink clean water. This means drink treated water, bottled water, or boiled water when traveling abroad.

Health screening and early treatment of cysticercosis can prevent epilepsy.

Get vaccinated

Protect yourself and your family from infections that could cause seizures and lead to epilepsy by getting recommended vaccines and immunizations.

Stay healthy during pregnancy

Some problems during pregnancy and childbirth can lead to epilepsy. Follow a prenatal care plan with your health care provider to keep you and your baby healthy.

What to know

• Most people with epilepsy live a full life.
• Talk to your doctor about your epilepsy, health, or other concerns.
• Epilepsy can make you feel cut off from others, sad, or stressed.
• Controlling seizures can reduce your risk of brain damage or death.
• Uncontrolled seizures can limit some activities, like driving.

Mental health

• Epilepsy can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, depression, and isolation from others.
• Finding and getting support for your mental health is very important.
• You can learn healthy ways to cope with stress and how to connect with others.

Get free mental health help now

Epilepsy and Seizure Helpline

Call the Epilepsy Foundation's 24/7 helpline. Talk to specialists in epilepsy and mental health. They can help you if you are distressed or in crisis.

• English: 1-800-332-1000
• Spanish: 1-866-748-8008

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you are thinking about suicide or you're worried about a friend or loved one, call or text 988 or chat with a crisis counselor at 988lifeline.org A .

Injury and death

Status Epilepticus

Having seizures back-to-back within a 5-minute period can increase the risk of brain injury or death. This is called Status Epilepticus and is a medical emergency.

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

People with epilepsy can also die without signs of problems. This is called Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Experts think that SUDEP results from problems with breathing or heart rhythm.

Having good control of your seizures can reduce your risk of injury or death.

Seizure triggers

Some people with epilepsy know what brings on or "triggers" a seizure. People with epilepsy have different triggers. Knowing and avoiding your triggers, when possible, is important to managing your epilepsy.

Triggers can include:

• Lack of sleep.
• Missing medication.
• Stress.
• Use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed.
• Flashing lights or certain sounds.
• Hormonal changes with a period or pregnancy.

Driving

Some U.S. states have driving restrictions to address public safety concerns for people with certain health conditions including epilepsy. These restrictions vary from state to state.

Most states will not issue a driver's license to someone with epilepsy unless they can prove they have not had a seizure for a specific amount of time. The seizure-free period ranges from a few months to over a year, depending on the state.

Learn about your state's laws from the Epilepsy Foundation.

If you need help with transportation, contact the Epilepsy Foundation's Helpline.

Exercise and physical activity

Exercise may reduce the risk of seizures. In fact, exercising safely can benefit your physical health, as well as your mental health and emotional well-being. Just like everyone, people with epilepsy should wear protective gear (such as helmets and knee pads) for some activities, like bike riding.

However, swimming and other water sports can be risky for people with epilepsy. Swimming alone should be avoided.

Talk to your health care provider to learn what types of physical activity is safest for you.

Many people with epilepsy continue to have seizures even though they are taking medicine. Learn four ways to help you get better control of epilepsy and seizures.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. About 3.4 million people in the United States have active epilepsy—that means a doctor has told them they have epilepsy and they are currently taking medicine for it, or they have had at least one seizure in the last year. Sometimes epilepsy can be hard to treat and can lead to continued seizures. In fact, more than half (56%) of adults taking epilepsy medicine still had seizures in the past year. Uncontrolled seizures may harm health, affect quality of life, and increase health care costs.

If you’re someone with epilepsy who is still having seizures despite treatment, or are caring for someone who is, here are some things you can do to help:

1. Take medicine as prescribed.

Prescribing medicine is usually the first thing doctors do to stop seizures. It’s important to take it on time and at the dose prescribed so the doctor can tell if it’s helping. Sometimes you may need to try a few different medicines before finding the right one, or the right combination, that stops the seizures. If you’re having side effects that interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor. Sometimes different medicines can be used to help you feel better.

2. Learn new ways to manage epilepsy.

Self-management is all the things you do to take care of yourself and your health. Managing epilepsy means understanding your condition, getting enough sleep, lowering stress, eating a healthy diet, and other activities.

CDC also supports self-management programs through the Managing Epilepsy Well Network, the Epilepsy Foundation, and other partners.

3. See an epilepsy specialist.

Doctors who specialize in treating epilepsy and seizures are called epileptologists. They work in epilepsy centers, along with other experts such as neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, and social workers. Epilepsy centers use a team approach to help people with epilepsy who are having trouble managing their condition. There are more than 230 epilepsy centers across the United States.

4. Find support.

Epilepsy can be hard to manage, but the good news is that many places offer help. CDC supports the Epilepsy Foundation’s 24/7 Helpline, which has trained information specialists to answer your questions and link you to support groups, programs, and other resources in your community.

The Importance of Epilepsy Self-Management

Learn how self-management programs can help people with epilepsy feel better and live fuller lives.

Epilepsy is a broad term used for a brain disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can get in the way of life, mostly when seizures keep happening. Although there are many medicines to help prevent seizures, they don’t always work. In fact, more than half (56%) of adults with active epilepsy who take antiseizure medicines are still having seizures.

Uncontrolled seizures can increase the risk of injury, anxiety, depression, brain damage, and in rare cases, death. They can also interfere with activities such as working, going to school, and socializing with friends and family. Side effects from medicine (such as feeling tired or having memory problems) can add to the challenges of living with epilepsy.

As with any chronic condition, people with epilepsy can benefit from learning skills that help them better manage their disorder and its effects on daily life.

Epilepsy self-management involves three areas:

1. Treatment management, such as taking medicines as prescribed, keeping medical appointments, and communicating effectively with health care providers.
2. Seizure management, such as recognizing and avoiding seizure triggers and keeping track of when seizures happen.
3. Lifestyle management, such as getting enough sleep and reducing stress.

Physician support of self-management is important. Patients are much more likely to participate in self-management programs if their health care provider recommends it.

Key points

• Taking care of yourself can help you control your seizures and lead a fuller life.
• You can learn everyday strategies that help you feel better.
• There are programs that can teach you self-management skills.

Everyday life

Epilepsy can get in the way of life, especially when seizures keep happening. They may make it hard to work, go to school, drive, or socialize. Epilepsy medicines can make you feel tired, weak, or forgetful.

Living well with epilepsy

Learning everyday strategies and skills to manage epilepsy can help you feel better and improve your quality of life.

Everyday strategies

Understand epilepsy and your treatment

• Learn about your condition.
• Take your seizure medicines as prescribed.
• Check with your doctor before taking other medicines or supplements.
• Talk to your doctor about health concerns.

Manage your seizures

• Track your seizures to understand patterns.
• Pay attention to the things that can trigger your seizures so you can avoid them if possible.

Practice a healthy lifestyle

• Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Exercise regularly and safely each day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and keep a healthy weight.
• Don't use tobacco.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Avoid using illegal drugs, prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed, or someone else's prescription.
• Keep other health conditions in check.

Take care of your mental health

• Practice ways to lower stress.
• Get help for emotional problems.
• Use strategies to help with memory problems.
• Keep in touch with friends and family.

Resources and support

Join a self-management program

Self-management programs can help you learn to make good decisions about your health and feel better while living with epilepsy.

These programs have been proven effective and are available to people with epilepsy in some communities. Some programs also are available through phone or online groups.

Key points

• Seizures are common, affecting 1 in 10 people.
• You can learn to recognize a seizure, keep someone safe during a seizure, and when to call 911 for help.

Overview

Seizures are common. About 1 in 10 people in the United States may have a seizure in their lifetime. 1 This means that someday you may need to help someone.

There are easy steps to help someone during and after a seizure.

Recognizing a seizure

Seizures may not look like you'd expect.

• There are many different types of seizures.

• Some seizures cause someone to act confused or stare into space.

• Others cause someone to lose awareness, fall down, and shake.

• Most seizures last just a few minutes.

How to keep someone safe during a seizure

Steps to keeping a person safe during a seizure

1. Keep yourself and others calm.
2. Stay with the person.
3. Remove anything near them that can cause an injury.
4. Check to see if they are wearing a medical bracelet for information about any medical conditions, medicines, and emergency contacts.
5. If the person is lying down, turn them gently on their side, with their mouth pointing to the ground. This will keep their airway clear.
6. Time the seizure to track if it lasts more than 5 minutes. If it does, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
7. When the seizure is over, help them sit in a safe place to recover.
8. Once they are alert, comfort them and explain what happened.
9. Offer to call a friend or loved one to help them get home safely.

Extra steps for generalized seizures

Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and may cause loss of consciousness.

When a person has a generalized seizure, they may:

• Fall down if they lose muscle tone or consciousness.
• Shake or jerk.
• Twitch in body or eyelids.
• Become unaware of what's around them.

To help someone with this type of seizure, follow these steps to keep them safe:

1. Ease them to the ground if they appear to be falling.
2. Turn them gently onto one side with their mouth pointing to the ground. This will keep their airway clear.
3. Clear the space around them to prevent injury.
4. Put something soft and flat under their head (like a jacket).
5. Take off their eyeglasses.
6. Loosen anything around the neck that could block breathing.
7. Time the seizure to track if it lasts more than 5 minutes. If it does, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.

When to call for help

Seizures don’t usually require emergency medical attention.

But you should call 911 if one or more of these things happen:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• They have another seizure soon after the first one.
• They have trouble breathing or waking up after the seizure.
• They are injured during the seizure.
• The seizure happens in water.

It is also important to call 911 if the person having the seizure:

• Has never had a seizure before.
• Has diabetes and loses consciousness.
• Is pregnant.

What to avoid

• Don't hold the person down or stop their movements. This could injure you or them.
• Don't put anything in their mouth. This can hurt their teeth or jaw.
• Don't give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure. People usually start breathing again on their own after a seizure.
• Don't offer water or food until they are fully alert. This is not necessary and could cause them to choke.

Get Seizure First Aid Training

Some people may need to know how to provide more detailed help, especially those who:

• Have loved ones with epilepsy.
• Coach or lead groups.
• Work in public settings such as schools.

Free first aid training

Free, online on-demand training is available through the Epilepsy Foundation

Key points

• Students with epilepsy need support during the school day.
• Some states require seizure first aid training.
• Free, online trainings are available for school staff.

Why it matters

For most of the year, children and teens spend much of their day at school. Students with epilepsy may need support to manage their health during the school day.

For many students, their epilepsy is controlled with medicine. They can do what other kids can do and perform well in school.

Extra support for students with epilepsy

For some students, school can be more challenging. They may need more support. Some students may experience side effects from epilepsy medicine can cause fatigue and memory problems. They may experience mental health problems such as anxiety. They might hide the fact that they have epilepsy to avoid being shamed and bullied by other students.

Students with epilepsy are safer at school when teachers, nurses, bus drivers, and other staff learn about epilepsy. Staff may be able to link families to needed community resources.

Training requirements for states‎

Some states have legislation requiring a specific number of school staff to be trained in seizure first aid.

You can check your state's requirements through the Epilepsy Foundation.

Guidance for school nurses

Make a seizure action plan

School nurses should make sure all students with seizures have an action plan. It should include:

• Seizure triggers, if known.
• What to expect during a seizure.
• Seizure first aid steps.
• Instructions for rescue medicines.
• Contact information for parents and health care providers.

Action plan templates are available from the Epilepsy Foundation and the Seizure Action Plan Coalition.

Help with transitions

The transition from pediatric to adult health care is challenging. School nurses can provide guidance to families to make it easier.

CDC supported the National Association of School Nurses to create helpful resources:

• Supporting Students with Epilepsy: A Transition Toolkit
• Transition for Students with Epilepsy: The Role of the School Nurse

Help other students understand epilepsy

School nurses and teachers can find resources on CDC's Body and Mind (BAM) website to help educate students. Topics include:

• How to talk to students about epilepsy.
• What a seizure looks like.
• How to provide seizure first aid.

StopBulling.gov has additional information on supporting students with special health needs and preventing bullying at school.

Training for school nurses

CDC supports free, online, on-demand epilepsy training programs for school nurses through our partners.

Seizure training for school nurses

This series of programs teaches school nurses how to care for students with seizures. The Epilepsy Foundation offers continuing education credits.

• Caring for Students
• Caring for Students with Psychogenic Seizures
• Using Rescue Therapies in Epilepsy Care

Training on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

The National Association of School Nurses has developed training on stigma and SUDEP that includes continuing education credits.

This training covers:

• Impact of stigma on students with epilepsy.
• How to reduce stigma.
• Understanding SUDEP.
• How to support families.

Training for teachers and other staff

CDC supports free, online, on-demand training programs for school staff through the Epilepsy Foundation.

Teachers, bus drivers, and other staff can learn how to support students with seizures.

Seizure Training for School Personnel includes:

• Recognizing seizures.
• Providing seizure first aid.
• Understanding how epilepsy may affect a student.

It can be hard to figure out the best way to care for your child’s epilepsy. CDC has tools and resources to help you manage your child’s epilepsy and help them live a healthier life.

Learn about Epilepsy

Learn seizure first aid so you know what to do if your child has a seizure.

• Learn seizure first aid so you know what to do if your child has a seizure.
• Learn about epilepsy in children from the Epilepsy Foundation.
• Understand the basics about epilepsy, like types of seizures and answers to common questions.
• Read about important epilepsy topics on our CDC Features page. Topics include preparing for natural disasters and staying healthy with epilepsy.
• Learn about risk factors for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in children.

Manage Your Child’s Epilepsy

• Talk with your child’s heath care provider to make sure your child’s seizures are controlled as much as they can be.
• Look for a health care provider that specializes in epilepsy. You can use the American Epilepsy Society’s Find a Doctor Search Tool.
• Learn more about treatment options for your child with epilepsy, including clinical trials.
• Teach your child skills to manage their epilepsy.
• Be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters.

Support Your Child

Sometimes listening is the best form of support.

• Sometimes listening is the best form of support. Talk to your child regularly about their seizures, their feelings about having epilepsy, and if they feel safe and supported at school.
• Help your child understand epilepsy with CDC’s Body and Mind (BAM) website. CDC’s BAM website teaches children aged 9 to 12 years what a seizure looks like, reviews facts about epilepsy, addresses epilepsy stigma, and covers seizure first aid.
• Get ideas on how to explain epilepsy and talk to your children from the Epilepsy Foundation.

Support Teens with Epilepsy

Get tips on how to talk to your teen about their epilepsy and support them as they learn how to manage their condition on their own.

The teenaged years can bring extra challenges for children with epilepsy. Learn how you can support your teen during their transition to adulthood.

Provide Your School with the Right Tools to Manage Epilepsy

Make sure your child’s school understands epilepsy and how to provide seizure first aid.

• Create a Seizure Action Plan by working with your child’s school and health care provider.

• Find trainings and awareness programs for school staff and students on our Epilepsy in Schools page.

Get Support

Find social support and professional help for managing your child’s epilepsy.

Did you know that epilepsy is more likely to develop in older adults? Seizures can be easy to miss. Learn how to recognize the signs and how you can help.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. About 3 million US adults aged 18 or older have active epilepsy. Nearly 1 million of those adults are 55 or older. As our population ages, there will be even more older people with epilepsy in the coming years.

Epilepsy is more likely to develop in older adults because some risk factors for epilepsy are more common in older adults, such as:

• Strokes.
• Head injuries from falls.
• Diseases that affect brain function (such as Alzheimer’s disease).
• Brain tumors.

About half of older adults who are told they have epilepsy do not know the cause.

How Do I Know If It’s Epilepsy?

It isn’t always easy to tell when you or someone you care for develops epilepsy later in life. That’s because seizures may be hard to recognize in older adults and may go unnoticed. For example, memory problems, confusion, falls, dizziness, or sensory changes like numbness are often blamed on “getting older.” However, sometimes these can actually be signs of seizures.

There are many different signs of seizures because there are many types of seizures. In the movies and on TV, a person is often shown falling to the ground, shaking, and becoming unaware of what’s going on around them. That’s one kind of seizure, but it’s not the most common. More often, a person having a seizure may:

• Seem confused.
• Stare into space.
• Wander.
• Make unusual movements.
• Be unable to answer questions or talk.

When these signs occur more than once and often in the same pattern, they could be signs of seizures.

If an older adult is showing these signs, it’s important for them to talk to a health care provider. Most adults with epilepsy have good seizure control with medicines. Epilepsy specialists can help older adults find the right treatment. Find an epilepsy specialist near you at the Epilepsy Foundation website.

How Is Epilepsy Challenging for Older Adults?

Adults who develop epilepsy may have a hard time managing the disorder. Eight in 10 adults aged 65 or older have more than one chronic health condition. It can be hard to balance epilepsy treatment with taking medicines for other health problems. Many epilepsy medicines also have side effects such as bone loss or dizziness, which can make someone more likely to fall and become injured.

Epilepsy can also affect a person’s daily life if seizures limit their ability to drive or if they live alone. After a lifetime of being independent, losing the ability to drive or take care of themselves can be especially hard for older adults. Read more about the challenges faced by seniors with epilepsy.

How Can I Help?

Seizure first aid is easy to give and involves keeping the person safe until the seizure stops on its own and knowing when to call 911 for emergency help.

If you work at a senior center, long-term care facility, nursing home, in-home health care, or another senior-serving organization, you can take special training. Seniors & Seizures is a free course offered by the Epilepsy Foundation. You can also get free continuing education credits for participating.

The Epilepsy Foundation also has a free, online general training program anyone can take to become certified in seizure first aid.

Do I Call 911?

Seizures don’t usually require emergency medical attention. Only call 911 if one or more of these are true:

• The person has never had a seizure before.
• The person has trouble breathing or waking after the seizure.
• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• The person has another seizure soon after the first one.
• The person is hurt during the seizure.
• The seizure happens in water.
• The person has a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or pregnancy.

Caregivers should learn how to recognize seizures in older adults.

Do you know what to do if an emergency strikes? You can’t stop a natural disaster, but you can take steps now to protect yourself and your family, especially those with medical needs such as epilepsy.

Protect yourself and loved ones from natural disasters and public health emergencies.

Preparing Everyone for an Emergency

Three basic steps can keep you safe during a natural disaster or other emergency:

1. Make an emergency supply kit.
2. Create a plan with family and friends.
3. Keep up with local alerts.

Learn how to prepare for common disasters.

Preparing People with Epilepsy

Beyond the basic steps above, people with epilepsy have special needs to consider. Keep yourself safe and teach others how to help you.
Think about what you can do now to be ready:

If you miss just 1 dose of medication, you can lose control of your seizures.

Keep your medications with you.

• Taking your medications on time can help prevent seizures. When you leave your house, carry a 3-day supply of your medications in a safe and waterproof location. This way, if you are stranded from your home you will not have to miss a dose.

Have a medical alert bracelet or other identification with you.

• In case you have a seizure while in an emergency shelter, first responders will know how to better assist you during your seizure.

Identify a family member, neighbor or friend to help you during an emergency.

• Talk with people now (such as your family, neighbors, co-workers, school personnel, and friends) about what to do if you have a seizure.
• Teach people how to help you in case you have a seizure.
• Keep a list of important phone numbers handy, including your health care provider and pharmacy.

If possible, know what triggers your seizures.

• For some people with epilepsy, seizures can be triggered by flashing lights, sounds, lack of sleep, stress, or other triggers. Talk with your health care provider about what triggers your seizures and how you might avoid them during a crisis.

Key points

• Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is referred to as SUDEP.
• SUDEP is rare.
• Take your seizure medicine as prescribed to lower your chance of SUDEP.

Overview

For some people living with epilepsy, the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major concern.

SUDEP refers to deaths in people with epilepsy that are not caused by injury, drowning, status epilepticus, or other known causes.

SUDEP is rare

Researchers are studying SUDEP, but it's hard to know exactly how many people with epilepsy die because of SUDEP each year.

Experts estimate that for every 1,000 U.S. adults with epilepsy, one may die from SUDEP each year.

SUDEP is even less common in U.S. children. For every 4,500 children 17 years or younger with epilepsy, one may die from SUDEP each year.

Causes of SUDEP

Most SUDEP deaths occur with a generalized seizure during sleep.

There are a number of reasons why someone with epilepsy may die of SUDEP:

Breathing problems—a seizure may cause a person to have pauses in breathing, called apnea. If these pauses last too long, it can reduce the oxygen in the blood. Someone can also suffocate if the airway is covered or obstructed.

Heart problems—a seizure may cause a dangerous heart rhythm or very slow heart rate.

Other causes—SUDEP may result from a combination of breathing problems, abnormal heart rhythms, or other unknown causes. Problems with brain function and genetic disorders may also contribute to SUDEP.

Risk factors for SUDEP

Main risk factors

The main risk factors for SUDEP are:

• Generalized seizures.
• Uncontrolled or frequent seizures.

Possible risk factors

Other possible risk factors may include:

• Having seizures from a young age.
• Living with epilepsy for many years.
• Being a male.
• Missing doses of seizure medicine.
• Having seizures during sleep.

Recommendations

Talk to your health care provider

If you have epilepsy, ask your health care provider to discuss your risk of SUDEP.

Take your seizure medicine as prescribed

This is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of SUDEP.

If you are taking seizure medicine and still having seizures, talk to your health care provider right away.

If your seizures continue, consider seeing an epilepsy specialist. You can search for a doctor or find an epilepsy center close to you through CDC's partner websites.

Other ways to reduce your risk

• Avoid seizure triggers.
• Learn ways to self-manage or reduce your seizures.
• Get enough sleep.
• Train adults in the house in seizure first aid.

What CDC is doing

CDC supports the Sudden Death in the Young (SDY) Case Registry, which identifies and counts the number of deaths from SUDEP among young people (20 and younger). The goal of this project is to understand the causes of death so we can prevent SUDEP.