Reduction in life expectancy can be up to 2 years for people with a diagnosis of idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy, and the reduction can be up to 10 years in people with symptomatic epilepsy. Reductions in life expectancy are highest at the time of diagnosis and diminish with time.

Can you live a long life with seizures?

Many people with epilepsy can conduct a normal life. However, patients who have had epilepsy for a long time or whose epilepsy is difficult to control are at higher risk for unemployment. They may also need assistance in their daily life activities.

Is epilepsy a life limiting condition?

Epilepsy can shorten life, but most of the time it does not. Be aware of risks and take sensible precautions, but do not let the risks put you into a state of constant worry. Consult with your doctor for specific information about your risk factors for injury due to seizures.

Is epilepsy a death sentence?

Death from epilepsy is rare. The leading cause of death among people with uncontrolled epilepsy, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP, kills 1 in 1,000 people who have the disorder.

Is death by seizure painful?

Get CNN Healths weekly newsletter And while patients can take steps today to reduce their risk, the sudden deaths remain a devastating reality. The deaths can be particularly painful because many who die appear otherwise healthy. “Every person who takes care of epilepsy patients has seen this happen,” French said.

What jobs can I not do with epilepsy?

People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk: police officer, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc. Epilepsy is a highly variable disorder and it is difficult to generalize about safety issues.

Does epilepsy affect memory?

Seizures. Any type of epileptic seizure could potentially affect your memory, either during or after a seizure. If you have lots of seizures, memory problems might happen more often. Some people have generalised seizures that affect all of the brain.

Can I marry a girl with seizures?

There is no reason why an epileptic person cannot get married and have children and lead a normal life. However, correct diagnosis is required as there are several kinds of epileptic seizures. Proper medication and precautions need to be taken though.

Can fits cause death?

If seizures cant be stopped or repeated seizures occur one right after another, permanent injury or death can occur. People with epilepsy can also die from problems that occur during or after a seizure, such as inhaling vomit. This problem can be prevented if the person is turned onto one side as soon as possible.