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Older people
and epilepsy
Growing old has many
challenges: growing old with a diagnosis of
epilepsy is a challenge in itself. Yet epilepsy
is a challenge that can be managed. Coming to
terms with a diagnosis of epilepsy, accepting
you have seizures and having to take regular
medication to control them can at first seem
overwhelming. Added to this are the possible
restrictions or adjustments you may need to make
to daily living. Your fear of injury, your
anxiety with having a seizure in public and your
concern with the time taken to recover from a
seizure, may result in confusion, social
isolation and loss of independence.
Understanding your epilepsy and sharing your
diagnosis with family members, friends and
concerned others will help you overcome these
concerns and help preserve your quality of life.
You are not alone. People over 65 years
experience the highest incidence of first
seizures apart from children under 5 years. A
common cause of epilepsy in the elderly is
stroke while other possible causes are head
injuries, infection, alcoholism, tumours and
dementia. As happens with other age groups, some
older people develop epilepsy without a known
cause. Diagnosing epilepsy in older people can
be difficult and some people will have had
seizure activity for years before a correct
diagnosis is made. If your partner or a family
member or friend has observed certain events,
their recollection and description of what has
occurred can prove invaluable to your doctor’s
diagnosis.
Your seizures can be controlled by antiepileptic
medication and that medication does not cause
cumulative damage. While the aim of treatment is
to control seizures with minimum adverse side
effects, current research and clinical
experience indicate that some older people may
experience more undesirable side effects such as
unsteadiness when walking, or fatigue. Your
doctor will guide you through this initial stage
of choosing the right medication for you. Most
problems can usually be avoided with the range
of medications now available. Over 70% of older
people diagnosed with epilepsy will achieve
complete seizure control on appropriate
antiepileptic medication.
A diagnosis of epilepsy can impact on your life
in many ways. If you are the driver in your
household not being allowed to drive until your
seizures are under control may mean that for a
short time two people become housebound. This is
the time that family and friends can help or you
start to get to know your local taxi driver or
seek out your local community support services.
Your Epilepsy Australia affiliate will be able
to advise you of available transport support in
your geographical location. You may decide that
it is time to give up your licence anyway and
have planned for that eventuality.
You may also experience a loss of confidence
after a fall and your fear of further falls may
stop you from enjoying life as you should. This
is understandable but it will pass. As your
seizures become controlled your confidence will
return. A healthy lifestyle can also help you
control your seizures. By getting adequate sleep
having a good diet, controlling the stress in
your life, limiting your intake of alcohol, and
getting plenty of exercise you can improve your
seizure control and general well-being. For more
information about healthy living strategies
contact your epilepsy association.
Safety in the home is an important issue for
everyone. A home visit by an occupational
therapist can advise you on the necessary safety
precautions relevant to your seizure type and
frequency. Your epilepsy counsellor will also be
able to suggest practical ways to help make your
surroundings as safe as possible. If you live
alone you may wish to consider wearing a
personal alarm which is connected via telephone
to a monitoring centre. You can set off the
alarm intentionally if you need emergency help,
or the alarm will activate itself if you have a
fall. A person will call you back immediately to
see what is the matter. If you do not respond an
ambulance is despatched. The are several
products on the market all operating in much the
same way. They can provide peace of mind for
those living alone and for family who worry
about you. Similarly, wearing a ‘medicalert’
bracelet or pendant, can alert people to the
fact that you have epilepsy should a seizure
occur while you are out.
At times it may be difficult to remember if you
have taken your medication as prescribed.
Dosette boxes have separate compartments to
place all the tablets required for a week or a
day. A glance at the dispenser will reassure you
that no dose has been missed. People who are
unable to manage their own medication may find
it helpful to have the dosette box packed weekly
by a professional. Dosette boxes are available
through most pharmacies and some discount shops.
Yes, epilepsy can be challenging but by
accepting that challenge and being positive
about it, life will still be fulfilling for you.
EMAIL epilepsy@epilepsy.asn.au 818 Burke Rd, Camberwell Victoria 3124 Australia
PHONE (03) 9805 9111 TOLL FREE 1300 852 853 FAX (03) 9882 7159
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