Home About Us About Epilepsy • Types of Seizures • Diagnosing Epilepsy • Treatment  • Drug Therapy • First Aid • Living with Epilepsy • Related Articles • Glossary   Programs & Services Resources & Links Events How Can I Help? Contact Us Site Map About Epilepsy: Living With Epilepsy LIVING WITH EPILEPSY Epilepsy and Recreation Issues Physical activity promotes happiness, satisfaction, self expression and social interaction. It is a key component in maintaining healthy minds and bodies. A seizure disorder does not interfere with or inhibit the ability to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. In fact, research has shown that people have fewer seizures if they lead an active lifestyle. Safety precautions must be taken into account with not just persons with seizure disorders but by everyone when choosing to participate in recreational activities. The following link provides a few suggested guidelines to ensure that recreational activities are safe and enjoyable for those who experience uncontrolled seizures. www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/Epilepsy+&+Recreation+Issues *Source: Epilepsy Ontario Epilepsy and Safety Around the Home For persons whose seizures are not well controlled, making specific or minor changes around the home can significantly reduce injuries and ease high-risk situations associated with some seizures, such as falling or getting a burn. Persons with epilepsy who are otherwise in good health and whose mental abilities are unaffected can continue to live independently. General home safety for activities of daily living is provided in the following brochure. Some suggested safety precautions in the kitchen, bathroom, how to prevent falls and assistive devices are examples of topics discussed. www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/eoweb.nsf/web/Epilepsy+&+Safety+around+the+Home?O penDocument *Source: Epilepsy Ontario Epilepsy and Driving In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation makes all decisions about drivers' licenses. Who May Not Drive: • any person with uncontrollable seizures. • any person who has had seizures in the past 12 months. • any person who is presently taking anti-seizure medication which causes drowsiness or poor muscle control. • any person who requires medication to prevent seizures but persistently drinks alcohol to excess, or who does not comply with a physician's anti- seizure medication recommendations. If any of the following conditions are met, a person with a seizure disorder may drive: • febrile convulsions are limited to early childhood; • seizures were the result of a toxic illness which is now completely cured • seizures appear to be prevented by medication; • the person has been free of seizures for 12 months and medication does not cause drowsiness or poor co-ordination; • the person has had a solitary seizure that cannot be related to a toxic illness, and has provided a full neurological examination revealing no epileptiform activity; • the person has had seizures only during sleep or immediately upon awakening for a least 5 years; • the person has been seizure free on medication for 1 year: and • seizures recur because of the cessation of medication following a physician's               instructions. More Information Contact your nearest Driver Examination Office or Ontario's Ministry of Transportation for more information about: • applying for a beginner driver's license. • applying for a commercial license. • suspension of a driver's license. • appealing a license suspension. • any other driving-related issue. Epilepsy and Employment One of the most challenging problems faced by people living with epilepsy is employment. Approximately 50% of people who have epilepsy experience difficulty finding and keeping a job. Of those who do find employment, up to 50% are under-employed; that is not employed in a position which reflects their qualifications and experience. It is important for employers and people with seizure disorders to understand epilepsy, how it relates to their job, and to be aware of employment standards outlined and upheld in Ontario law. Employer apprehension and discrimination within the workplace are reasons for people who have epilepsy to be unemployed or underemployed. Epilepsy and employment equity is a major concern for some individuals. When and how to disclose to your employer that you have a seizure disorder can be difficult. The following link is helpful with learning more about the workplace, employment equity, disclosure, and legalities surrounding employment. www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/eoweb.nsf/web/Epilepsy+&+Employment?OpenDocument *Source: Epilepsy Ontario For more information on employment and Epilepsy, please refer to the Resources section for other helpful links. Information provided is not intended to replace any medical advice provided by your physician or neurologist. It is intended to supply general information on epilepsy and seizures. For further medical information or specific diagnostic questions, please refer your concerns to your physician or neurologist. 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