Can I safely live alone after being diagnosed with epilepsy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was recently diagnosed with epilepsy, and my top priority is my safety. I lead an independent life, and I really cherish that.

Is it safe to be living alone after having been diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 38?
What kind of precaution is necessary, and what precaution might simply cause anxiety and offer very little protection?
Does the use of monitoring systems make any sense, or might it make one fear more?

I do not want to have to change my life drastically from now on, but I do not want to neglect any risk either. The prospect of getting a seizure alone really scares me.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Yes, there are people with epilepsy who can live by themselves and have been diagnosed in adult age. Having a diagnosis of epilepsy does not necessarily mean that you cannot lead an independent lifestyle anymore. First of all, it is crucial to know what kind of epilepsy you have and whether you have any problems with controlling it, as well as take reasonable safety measures. The major safety steps are:

Take medications regularly.
Sleep enough and avoid all seizure triggers you have.
Visit your neurologist regularly.

Monitoring devices like seizure watches or bed sensors may be useful for some patients having generalized tonic-clonic seizures or sleep seizures. Nevertheless, such devices do not guarantee anything and cannot replace visiting a neurologist or taking any safety measures. They either calm a patient or cause additional worries depending on each particular case.

The majority of adults suffering from epilepsy can live an independent life. It is better to concentrate on safety measures and to have good seizure control, rather than to try to prevent all risks from happening.

Having a talk with your neurologist will allow creating your own safety plan.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.