Epilepsy describes a range of brain conditions where abnormal electrical activity causes repeated seizures. Epilepsy can affect a person’s awareness, behaviour, body movements and senses.

If you believe a person might be having a seizure, please call triple zero (000) or seek medical advice.

There are two main types of seizures. Focal seizures begin in one part of the brain and may or may not affect consciousness, while generalised seizures involve the entire brain and do affect consciousness.

Adults with CP who have cognitive challenges or an intellectual disability often suffer from epilepsy. While it can be managed with medication, you should have a review of your epilepsy with your healthcare team every 12 months or more often, depending on how well it is controlled.

Epilepsy can affect long-term physical and mental health if not managed effectively.

Effective management of epilepsy includes:

• awareness and management of direct and indirect risks
• diagnosis and treatment
• managing the side-effects of epilepsy medications
• access to specialist epilepsy care and working with specialist services.

If you notice that your balance or mobility are changing, have a talk with your healthcare team about being assessed for mobility aids or protective wear to minimise injury during a seizure, and techniques for preventing falls where possible.

As you age and your circumstances change, you will have opportunities to spend time with new people in different settings, including relationships, career and social networks. Whatever your situation, make sure there are people around who understand your epilepsy, and can look out for you in an emergency.

Think about what information to share with them so they can support you. There are resources from organisations such as Epilepsy Australia, which can help them understand more about epilepsy.