A diagnosis of epilepsy has both personal and social consequences.  It is a common diagnosis and it is a misunderstood condition.

Epilepsy can be controlled in most people, but you will need to avoid triggers, consider whether to engage in high risk activities, and accept that society has placed certain restrictions upon people with the diagnosis.

Most people with epilepsy can control their seizures by taking antiepileptic drugs and are able to work and enjoy recreational and other activities much the same as those who are unaffected by the condition.  About a third of people with epilepsy may not be able to achieve complete seizure control. 

However, because the possibility of breakthrough seizures exists, there are some limitations that people with epilepsy must adhere to for the safety of themselves and others.

• Driving. Most states require a person to be seizure-free for a specific amount of time before obtaining a regular driver's license. Additionally, some states have a mandatory physician reporting requirement under which doctors must inform the state when they treat people of driving age who have epilepsy.
• Sports. It is permissible – and even advisable – for people with epilepsy to exercise and participate in sports, with proper precautions. Swimming, for example, should be supervised and preferably done in a pool, rather than the ocean, a river, or a lake. Sports such as scuba diving, rock climbing, hang gliding, and other high-risk activities should be avoided.
• Employment. Many people with epilepsy can and do hold jobs. Also, the Americans With Disabilities Act, a federal law, prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace, as well as in many other situations. However, you should avoid working at heights or near water, as well as jobs involving moving machinery or driving.
• Drinking Alcohol. Anyone taking drugs that act on the brain, such as antiepileptic drugs, is likely to be more sensitive to the intoxicating effects of alcohol. The intoxicating effects of the alcohol will be increased. Also keep in mind that alcohol can increase the risk of side effects from antiepileptic drugs and in some people makes seizures more likely to happen.

General Issues

It makes good sense for anyone who has epilepsy to keep the following in mind:

• Avoid things that might trigger your seizures if you can, but don't become obsessed by this.
• Keep stress to a minimum, but bear in mind you can't avoid it altogether. Learn ways to cope with stress if it is a problem.
• Eat regular meals and a healthy diet.
• Lack of sleep is a common trigger of seizures, so try to avoid getting over-tired.
• Make sure that you have enough medication, especially if you are going to be away from home.
• Have a plan for dealing with seizures. If you live alone, it may help to arrange a call system with a friend or neighbor in case you get a warning sign of a seizure.
• Keep a sense of perspective – no one's life can ever be entirely risk-free. Be sensible about what you do but don't let epilepsy rule your existence.