SUPPORTING YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY: RESOURCES FOR EPILEPSY
Receiving an epilepsy diagnosis can feel overwhelming—for both patients and their families. It’s natural to have questions and concerns, not only about the condition and its treatment, but also about how to maintain a fulfilling and active life. This page provides helpful links to information about epilepsy, along with practical resources to support patients and caregivers throughout their journey.
Information I need:
Resources you can access:
For comprehensive information about epilepsy and its diagnosis
For answers to myths and controversies regarding epilepsy
This online Empowerment Guide provides information and tools, such as a seizure diary to support patients in a collaborative approach to manage their epilepsy.
This podcast series is aimed at 15-25 year olds and delves into the experience and challenges of two Australian young adults living with epilepsy, who share
insights and answer common questions together with neurologists Professor Scheffer and Dr Parratt.
Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Transcripts and downloadable versions are also available on the dedicated microsite, ivegotthis.one
Information for Carers and Family
It’s essential that your family and those around you are well-informed about your condition, its potential triggers, and how to respond in case of a seizure. The resources below offer valuable insights to help loved ones understand what you’re experiencing and provide meaningful support.
Resources you can access:
What do I do if someone is having a seizure?
For a comprehensive first aid fact sheet on epileptic seizures from St Johns
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live with epilepsy?
What you wish you knew about living with epilepsy
Supporting family members with epilepsy
How do I maintain a healthy relationship with my loved one who has epilepsy?
Where can I learn more?
Epilepsy Action Australia
Epilepsy Foundation
Living with epilepsy
Your healthcare team will work with you to help manage your seizures and identify possible triggers. You may need to make some changes to your daily routine and try new, healthier habits with the support of your family and friends. This section has links to resources that can help guide you through this journey.
Please speak with your doctor and healthcare team before making changes to your diet and physical activity, and before adding complementary therapies to your current treatment. Unsupervised changes could increase your risk of seizures.
Resources you can access:
Living with epilepsy
Comprehensive fact sheets for managing and living with epilepsy.
Living with epilepsy webinar series
Watch expert-led sessions designed to help you understand and manage epilepsy in everyday life.
Ask an expert series
Epilepsy Action Australia has compiled a range of videos from Australian experts in epilepsy.
Self-management
Explore tools and strategies to help you take control of your epilepsy and support your
emotional wellbeing.
Create an epilepsy-safe home environment
Learn simple ways to make your home safer and more supportive for living well with epilepsy.
Driving with epilepsy
Research shows that people with epilepsy are at a slightly higher risk of accidents than the general population.3,4 Many people with epilepsy can still drive, but it’s important to make sure it’s safe for you and others. Rules vary depending on where you live, but they often require you to be seizure-free for a certain amount of time before driving again. Your doctor will help guide you through these steps and let you know when it’s okay to return to driving. It’s all about keeping you safe and confident on the road.
If you’re living with epilepsy and have questions about driving, your doctor is the best person to guide you. It’s also important to let your local road authority know if you’ve had a seizure or been diagnosed. Each state or territory has its own licensing authority, and drivers are legally required to notify them if they have a medical condition like epilepsy that may affect their ability to drive safely.
Austroads – Assessing Fitness to Drive: This is the national standard used by all states and territories to assess medical fitness to drive, including epilepsy.
Epilepsy support services
Find out how professional home care services can support your daily needs and help you live safely and independently with epilepsy.
Financial assistance
You may be eligible for funding support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Wearable technologies
Epilepsy Action Australia has compiled a list of technologies and apps that improve the day-to-day prevention of seizures
Seizure Management Plans
Help others understand and respond to your needs when having a seizure. You can share the plan with schools, employers, service providers. Your healthcare team can help you develop a personalised plan with the following templates.
Manage your medication
Use the MedAdvisor app to track your prescriptions, set reminders, and stay on top of your treatment—all from your phone.
Mental health support
If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, Beyond Blue offers valuable resources and support. Visit Beyond Blue for information, online forums, and professional help.
Call a counsellor on 1300 22 4636
Support and information
The diagnosis of epilepsy can be emotionally distressing but your doctor will be able to refer you to appropriate counselling services.
We hope you find this website helpful. For advice on medicines or any health-related matters, please contact your Doctor or Health Care Professional.
For medical emergencies please dial 000 immediately.
You should report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) online at www.tga.gov.au/safety/reporting-problems.
References: 1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Epilepsy and Seizures. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures [Accessed Jan 2025].
2. Epilepsy Action Australia. Understanding Epilepsy. Available at: Understanding Epilepsy | Epilepsy Action Australia [Accessed Sep 2025].
3. Nguyen R, Téllez Zenteno JF. Injuries in epilepsy: a review of its prevalence, risk factors, type of injuries and prevention. Neurol Int. 2009 Nov 16;1(1):e20. Available at: Injuries in epilepsy: a review of its prevalence, risk factors, type of injuries and prevention - PMC [Accessed August 2025].
4. Chen WC, et al. Epilepsy and driving: potential impact of transient impaired consciousness. Epilepsy Behav. 2014; 30: 50-57. Available at: nihms535252.pdf [Accessed August 2025].
This website is an information resource that is only for Australian residents. It is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your condition or treatment.
