Young people and epilepsy
Information for young people about epilepsy including how it may affect your life, education, relationships, driving or worklife.
If you have epilepsy, you may feel OK about it, or you may have questions or worries.
Your epilepsy and your choices in life may feel like big issues. This information looks briefly at what epilepsy is and treatment. We also look at sports and leisure, sex, drugs and social life, driving, getting work, how you might feel about your epilepsy, getting support, and how friends can help if you have a seizure.
You may want to look at some sections now, and other sections another time. Our confidential helpline can also give you more information on all of these topics.
Sex, drugs, and social life
It's not unusual for people to worry about their sex life, whether they have epilepsy or not. Getting close to someone else can be great but it can also leave you feeling vulnerable. What if they go off me? What if something embarrassing happens? Do I tell them about my epilepsy?
School, college, or university
If you are at school, college, or university and you have epilepsy, a law called the Equality Act 2010 aims to make sure you are treated fairly by everyone involved in your education. This includes lessons, trips out, practical subjects, and exams.
Driving and getting about
Getting around and being independent is an important part of growing up. Find out about epilepsy and driving, transport and travelling.
University and epilepsy
If you're considering going to university or if you’ve definitely decided that’s what you want to do, you’ll need to think about what this will mean for you in practical terms and about what support you might need, including financial support. Being well prepared will help you to make the most of your time at university.
Your feelings
If you do feel down or worried about your epilepsy, you're not alone. Many young people with epilepsy may have the same worries that you have. Some people find that talking about their concerns can help. There are lots of ways that you can connect with other people and get support.
Introduction to epilepsy
An introduction to epilepsy and treatment for young people.
Sports and spare time
Going out and having fun is important to us all – so does epilepsy have to get in the way? Epilepsy is a very individual condition; how it affects you can be quite different from how it affects someone else.
Getting work
Answering young people’s questions about work, employment, and epilepsy.
Want to know more?
Download our Young people leaflet:
Download the PDF (pdf 2,066KB)
For printed copies, please call our Helpline on 01494 601 400. Please note - we require a purchase order for bulk orders.