Chronic epilepsy :: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

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Departments:
Neurology

Last Updated: 13 October 2025

About chronic epilepsy

Chronic epilepsy means a long-term condition where a person experiences repeat seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in their brain.

While it is a lifelong condition for many patients, epilepsy can often be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes.

Understanding your seizures

Chronic epilepsy can involve different types of seizure, including the following.

Focal seizures. These affect one part of your brain. They may cause confusion or strange sensations, and may affect consciousness.

Generalised seizures. These involve both sides of the brain. They may lead to loss of consciousness or convulsions. A convulsion is an involuntary shaking of your muscles which makes your arms and legs twitch or jerk.

Triggers

Identifying your triggers can help reduce the likelihood of seizures. Triggers typically include:

not taking your anti-seizure medications, or taking them differently to how we recommend
lack of sleep
stress
flashing lights.

Daily management and safety

The following guidance can help you manage your condition.

Medication

Take your anti-seizure medications (ASMs) exactly as prescribed.
Keep a regular routine. Consider using alarms, phone apps or dosette boxes to help you keep track of your dosing schedule.
If you miss a dose, this increases your risk of seizures.

If you miss a dose, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or epilepsy nurse. Their advice will vary, depending on your specific medication.

If you find you often miss a dose, speak to your epilepsy nurse. They may be able to suggest a strategy to help you take your dose on time.
Always tell your epilepsy specialist if you experience side effects from your medications. These can include sleepiness, weight change or changes in your mood.

Seizure diary

Keep a journal to record the date, time and details of each seizure. For example how long it lasted and what happened during the seizure. You can note your details in a notebook-type journal or on your phone.
Record any possible triggers or warning signs. These can include headaches or auras. (An aura is a sensory, emotional, or physical experience, such as a strange smell, a feeling of fear, or blurred vision.)
Tell your epilepsy specialist about these details, so they can adjust your treatment if needed.

Lifestyle tips

Sleep. It is important that you sleep for 7 to 9 hours every night.

Diet. Eat well balanced meals and drink enough water. Sudden changes in blood sugar can trigger seizures.

Stress. Use stress management techniques like yoga, meditation or light exercise.

Emotional health. Living with chronic epilepsy can affect your emotional health. Reach out to a mental health counsellor or support group if you feel worried. You can also join a local or online epilepsy support group to share experiences and learn from others.

Alcohol and drugs. Avoid using alcohol and drugs. They can interfere with your medication and trigger seizures.

Safety measures for daily life

Follow this guidance to stay safe while at home and out and about.

Home

Use protective covers for sharp furniture edges.
Install grab bars in the bathroom.

Work or school

Tell trusted colleagues or supervisors about your condition.
If needed, talk to them about ways to make your work or school environment safer for you.

Out in public

Wear medical ID jewellery (for example, MedicAlert) that lets people know you have epilepsy.
If possible, travel with someone who knows what to do if you have a seizure.

Driving

Driving laws for people with epilepsy vary, depending on geographical location.

Ask your epilepsy specialist about local regulations and whether you can legally drive.

First aid for seizures

This guidance is for family members and carers. You may want to print it and keep it accessible in case they need it.

Stay calm and stay with the person who is having a seizure.
Remove any sharp objects or hazards from the area where they are having a seizure.
Only move them if they are in danger (for example at the top of the stairs or in the road).
Put something soft under their head.
Loosen tight clothing around their neck.
Do not try to hold them down.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Stay with them until they are fully recovered and aware of their surroundings.
When their seizure has ended, put them into the recovery position (see video below for NHS guidance, including transcript).
If possible, follow the person's Epilepsy Care Plan.