Adults: Living with Epilepsy
As a person affected with epilepsy, your main aim towards improving your quality of life would be to achieve good seizure control. Without doubt, your epilepsy might affect your day to day living in some ways, but with guidance from your neurologist, good support your family and good medical adherence you will hopefully not have to compromise on your living in any way.
Reaching out to other professionals for assistance and support could be hugely beneficial. Moreover, sharing difficulties and experiences with other people with epilepsy and their families can make you feel no longer alone.
Moving Around with EpilepsyMoving Around with Epilepsy
- In many countries, you can get a driver’s license if you are seizure-free for a few years. But according to Hong Kong’s Transport Department, those with epilepsy are not eligible for a driver’s license. (http://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/vehicle_and_driving_licences/how_to_apply_for_a_driving_licence/appendix_a/index.html).
- Hong Kong’s public transport system, however is one of the best in the world. It is reasonable, efficient, and extremely well-connected. Given Hong Kong’s fantastic public transport network, you can be independent without a driver’s license. There are no restrictions for those affected by epilepsy in using the Hong Kong public transport system including minibuses, buses, the MTR (trains) or taxis. You do not have to depend on others to use these transport systems. But if your seizures are not well-controlled, it is advisable for you to travel with a companion.
- There are no restrictions in Hong Kong for those with epilepsy to go cycling. The Hong Kong College of Paediatricians states that for children with epilepsy cycling should be allowed, but they should avoid cycling on public roads. For adults, safety precautions should be taken such as wearing helmets and other appropriate safety equipment.
- In some countries, medical services will provide medical ID tags for those with epilepsy. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority does not provide such medical ID tags however they can be easily made in the form of jewellery through local jewellers or by purchasing them through websites such as eBay. The ID tags normally include information such as your name, the nature of your condition 'epilepsy' and emergency contact numbers such as your doctor or family members.
- Should you have any questions about your condition and using the different modes of transport, please discuss with your neurologist. As no two people affected by epilepsy have the same symptoms or response to treatment, it is essential that you follow your doctor’s advice.
Overseas Travel and EpilepsyOverseas Travel and Epilepsy
- Flying is not a proven cause of triggering a seizure. However as seizures can occur while flying, some simple precautions can put your mind at ease. It is advisable to obtain a letter from your doctor that outlines your condition, your 'pre-flight safe' status and the anti-seizure medication/AED that you are carrying with you. By presenting this letter during check-in, you provide the airline with information that can help the cabin staff during your journey.
- If you have an aura before your seizure while in the air, notify one of the cabin crew immediately or ask the passenger next to you to notify one of the cabin crew if you don't have sufficient time to speak to an attendant. It is advisable to describe your type of seizures in advance to airline crew to prevent misunderstanding of possible behavior. Most flight attendants are trained in first aid and can assist you during the seizure.
- If you are traveling with a companion, please make sure he or she can recognise a seizure and administer the correct first aid.
- If you are travelling by long-distance train (eg: from Hong Kong to Guangzhou), unlike an airplane it is uncommon for staff to be available to attend to your needs. If one of the other passengers in your vicinity appears to be affable, you may inform them of your condition and tell them what to do in the event of a seizure.
Employment and EpilepsyEmployment and Epilepsy
- Talking about your health is a personal decision. You might choose to be open about your epilepsy if you are comfortable talking about it. By being open you raise epilepsy awareness and help dispel the many myths associated with epilepsy.
- Being open about your epilepsy could also keep you safe at work. If your seizures are not well-controlled it might be advisable to disclose about your epilepsy to your boss and few of your colleagues. Be prepared to discuss about your seizures and the first-aid practice. It might help to download the basic first aid poster from our website and post it at your workplace.
- There are some types of employment that those with epilepsy may not be best-suited for due to nature of the condition and the safety issue. Some examples are: construction worker who is working at heights, automated machinery worker, life guarding etc. If good seizure control is not maintained, it is important to give a lot of consideration before you apply for jobs that require a level of responsibility, where your condition can affect other people.
Medication and EpilepsyMedication and Epilepsy
- Medication is critical to keeping you seizure free.
- The most common treatment for epilepsy are anti-epileptic drugs(AED). Anti-epiletic drugs basically treat the symptoms of epilepsy and not the condition. The medicines work on the brain and reduce the chances of seizures by preventing excessive electrical activity.
- Not all the drugs work for everyone and it might take a while for your doctor to figure out which medication works best for you. Some of you might need to take just one medicine, while others might need a cocktail of different medications to keep their seizures under control.
- As with most drugs, the AED too have the potential to cause adverse side-effects. Some people might be more prone to the side effects as opposed to others. Though the side effects are usually mild, please contact your doctor immediately if they persist or become severe.
- Excellent medication compliance is essential to control your seizures. Some people with epilepsy report having a seizure with just two missed doses. It is important to never underestimate the importance of your AED.
Alcohol and EpilepsyAlcohol and Epilepsy
- Having epilepsy or taking AED does not mean you can never consume alcohol, but it is best to discuss this with your neurologist.
- Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of anti-epileptic medications.
- It is possible for consumption of alcohol to cause alcohol withdrawal seizures about 6-72 hours after a binge drinking (3 drinks or more).
- Since every person’s response to alcohol is varied, it is important for you to discuss with your doctor prior to consumption of any alcohol
Sports and EpilepsySports and Epilepsy
- There are no limitations on playing sports, but we do advise you to be sensible and safe while playing sports. Extreme sports should be avoided.
- Playing team sports is a great way to exercise and bond with others. It might be a good idea for you to mention your epilepsy to your coach and one of your team-mates, so that they are better prepared to handle a seizure.
- Swimming is fine if you have a companion. Keep the life-guard informed about your condition.
- Hiking can be fun for all people with or without epilepsy. It is important to follow the guidelines set out by The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's (AFCD) safety Hints for Hiking in Country Parks which states that you should not go alone and it is always preferable to hike in a group of four or above. For further information, please visit the AFCD website. (http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_wha/cou_wha_whe_sat.html).
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