There are some jobs, such as driving public vehicles or heavy transports or jobs near open fires, unguarded machinery or at heights, which those with epilepsy should not do. But those with other disabilities may be restricted as well.
Those who have been free of daytime fits for three years should be able to obtain a driving licence, subject to renewal annually.
In making a diagnosis of epilepsy, the doctor will be guided by the history, particularly by the description of the attack given by others.
Temper tantrums and breath holding attacks in children need to be distinguished from epilepsy. In adults, hysterical outbursts and over-breathing or hyperventilation attacks may mimic epileptic seizures.
Most sufferers can now be controlled by drugs of which a number are available. Some are controlled with a single drug, others may require a combination of several. Unfortunately, the medication must be taken regularly; but, if it is, the attacks may cease completely.
Some people grow out of their attacks and may have years free from fits without taking any drugs. Most people need to maintain them and many are free of attacks for many years on this routine.
Children who experience a febrile convulsion need not be investigated for epilepsy. But if these convulsions occur two or three times, they should be checked. Most children with petit mal grow out of it in early adolescence, a few only going on the develop grand mal.
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