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| How will epilepsy affect my life? |
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| Most teens with epilepsy can do all the things their friends do, including baseball, soccer, and other sports. You can even enjoy swimming, bicycle riding, and gymnastics if you are careful. Knowing how controlled your seizures are will help you determine what sports you are able to play. Did you know that there are big league athletes who have epilepsy? They play baseball, ice hockey, and other pro sports. Everyone with epilepsy is different, so be sure to talk with your parents and doctor about sports that you want to play. |
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| Should I tell my friends I have epilepsy? |
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| This may be a good idea if you think you might have a seizure while you are with them. If they know what to expect, they won’t be alarmed when it happens. You can also tell them what they can do to help you. Keep in mind that some of your friends may have their own health problems. Some may have asthma or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Others may have diabetes. It can be hard to talk about these things, too. If you tell them about your epilepsy, they may feel more like telling you about their health problems. Remember, the more your friends know about epilepsy, the more help they can give you when you need it. |
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| Can I drive if I have epilepsy? |
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| Every state has its own laws on epilepsy and driving. Most states say that you must be free of seizures for a certain period of time; in most states it is 6 to 12 months. Check with the Division of Motor Vehicles in your state. They can tell you about the rules that apply to drivers in your state. |
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| When I date, should I tell the person I am going out with? |
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| The answer is a lot like the one above. Many teens worry that their date will not want to go out with them if they have epilepsy. That could happen. But, if you are honest with your date, he or she will be able to accept you for the wonderful person you are. |
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| Should I tell my teacher and my classmates that I have epilepsy? |
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| This is a question you and your parents should answer together. If you decide this is a good idea, consider all the people in your life you think should know and tell them directly. You and your parents should have a discussion with your teachers, school nurse, and other school administrators about your epilepsy. You may also want to tell your coach, if you have one. Talk to them about epilepsy and tell them that there is no reason for them to be afraid. Let them know what happens when you have a seizure. Tell them what they should do to help you. You can
tell them that kids with epilepsy are just like other people, except that they sometimes have seizures. |
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| Click here to learn more about Care Cards. The cards have information that tells these people what to do if you have a seizure while you are with them. Be sure to give a card to your teacher and anyone who may stay with you when your parents are away just in case you need help. There are directions that show you how to download and fill them out. Ask your parents to help you if you need it. |
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| What if other people are afraid to hang outwith me because I have epilepsy? |
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| Sometimes people are fearful of things they do not know about. You can help other people feel more comfortable about epilepsy if you tell them what you know. Tell them that people with epilepsy are just like other people, except that they sometimes have seizures. The more other people know about your condition, the more they will accept you for who you are. |
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