Epilepsy is a physical, long-term condition and people with epilepsy are protected under the Equality Act, even if their seizures are controlled or if they don't consider themselves to be ‘disabled'.
Is epilepsy considered a mental disability?
Epilepsy is not a mental illness . In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.
Is epilepsy a physical or intellectual disability?
Most people with epilepsy do not have intellectual disabilities , but a substantial minority of people with intellectual disabilities have epilepsy. Epilepsy is known to be a potentially disabling, chronic and socially isolating condition. A diagnosis of Epilepsy even now still carries a stigma.
Why is epilepsy a physical disability?
Medically Qualifying for Disability Benefits Due to Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits.
Is epilepsy a physical condition?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition – which means it affects the brain. It is also a physical condition , because the body is affected when someone has a seizure. Epilepsy is described as the tendency to have repeated seizures that start in the brain.
Is epilepsy a learning disability?
Generally, having a learning disability does not cause epilepsy , and having epilepsy does not cause a learning disability. Some people may have epilepsy and learning disabilities, and both may be caused by the same underlying problem in the way their brain works.
Is epilepsy a special need?
The nation's special education law specifically mentions epilepsy in its definition of “ Other Health Impairment ,” a category under which children may be found eligible for special education and related services.
What are the 3 most common physical disabilities?
- Arthritis and Other Musculoskeletal Disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, arthritis is inflammation and tenderness in one or more joints. ...
- Cerebral Palsy. ...
- Spinal Cord Injuries.
Can epilepsy be cured?
There's no cure for epilepsy , but early treatment can make a big difference. Uncontrolled or prolonged seizures can lead to brain damage.
How does epilepsy affect you emotionally?
Many people who have epilepsy experience dysphoric episodes. These episodes, which can last between a few hours and a few days, consist of depressive moods, irritability, lack of energy, pain, anxiety, insomnia, and euphoric moods .
Does epilepsy go away with age?
Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away . Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.
Does epilepsy get worse with age?
Epilepsy can develop at any age . Early childhood and older adulthood tend to be the most common life stages. The outlook tends to be better for people who develop epilepsy as children — there's a chance they might outgrow it as they age.
What are the warning signs of epilepsy?
- Temporary confusion.
- A staring spell.
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
- Loss of consciousness or awareness.
- Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety or deja vu.
Does epilepsy affect intelligence?
[6,7] Dodson[8] reported that children with epilepsy have an intelligence quotient (IQ) score that is 10 points lower than their healthy, age-matched peers. Epilepsy can affect a person's education, career, general health, mental health, and marriage, among other things.
What is the difference between seizure and epilepsy?
A seizure is a single occurrence , whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures.
What are the main causes of epilepsy?
- a stroke.
- a brain tumour.
- a severe head injury.
- drug abuse or alcohol misuse.
- a brain infection.
- a lack of oxygen during birth.
