Stigma & Mental Health in Epilepsy

Epilepsy & Mental Health

Seizure Recognition & Response

If you missed our recent webinars highlighting key seizure safety and mental health concerns, you can view them on our YouTube channel. Special thanks to our speakers - Dr. Elaine Kiriakopoulos, Dr. Jonathan Williams, and Dr. Sarah Gehlert. 

A quick conversation with your healthcare provider before you travel can help you prepare for a safe, enjoyable trip. Make sure you’ll have enough medication for the full length of your travels, understand how to manage doses across time zones, talk through any seizure‑related concerns tied to your destination, and review your Seizure Action Plan so you feel ready and supported.
Check out all of our travel safety tips.

Water activities are a great way to enjoy summer, but safety should always come first. Swim with someone who knows seizure first aid, make sure others are aware of your epilepsy, avoid swimming alone, and follow any guidance from your healthcare provider. Remember: a seizure in water is always a medical emergency.
Check out all of our water safety tips.  

Hot weather can raise the risk of dehydration, which may trigger seizures for some people. Carry water, drink regularly throughout the day, be mindful of caffeine and alcohol, and watch for signs of dehydration like dizziness, headache, or dark urine.

A Seizure Action Plan outlines key information about your epilepsy and what to do if a seizure occurs. Before you travel, bring a copy, share it with the people you’re traveling with, keep it easy to access, and make sure your emergency contacts are included.
Download a free Seizure Action Plan template in English or Spanish.

Check out our recent webinar, How to Stay Safe with Epilepsy All Summer Long, in collaboration with member organization Epilepsy Services of New Jersey and led by Epilepsy Alliance America National Professional Advisory Committee member, Dr. Inna Hughes of University of Rochester, as she shares helpful tips and strategies for staying safe while enjoying summer.

More summer safety tips and resources here. 

Our member organizations provide solutions for people affected by epilepsy.

Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana's advocacy efforts helped ensure the recent passing of HR 74, which officially requests the Louisiana Department of Education to report exactly how public schools are accommodating and protecting students living with seizures.

Empowering People's Independence hosted Camp Coast, their annual camp for young adults aged 18+ with epilepsy and I/DD. This camp provides five days of respite for families while helping participants develop pre-vocational skills. This is the only camp of its kind in New York state.