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Epilepsy and Risk of Death
Epilepsy is a medical condition that affects the brain and can cause seizures. Although it can be serious, most people with epilepsy live full and active lives.
Research shows that:
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People with epilepsy may have a slightly higher risk of early death compared to those without epilepsy.
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The average life expectancy may be about 10–12 years shorter in some studies, but this varies widely depending on the type of epilepsy, treatment, and general health.
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About 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die each year from a rare condition called SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).
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The risk is higher for people who have uncontrolled or frequent seizures and who do not take medication regularly.
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Many people who have not had a seizure for years, or whose seizures are well controlled with medication, have a normal life expectancy.
Epilepsy is not a death sentence — it is a condition that can be managed with medication, lifestyle awareness, and support.
Physical First Aid for Seizures
If someone has a seizure, it’s important to stay calm and know what to do.
Here are the main steps:
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Stay with the person until the seizure ends.
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Protect them from injury by moving objects away.
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Loosen clothing around the neck and place something soft (like a folded jacket) under their head.
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Do NOT put anything in their mouth. They will not swallow their tongue.
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Turn them on their side (recovery position) once the seizure ends to help them breathe.
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Time the seizure.
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If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call emergency services (999 in the UK / 911 in the USA).
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Check for injuries after the seizure and stay with them until they are fully alert.
Call emergency help if:
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The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
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The person has trouble breathing or doesn’t wake up after.
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It’s their first seizure.
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They are injured or pregnant.
Mental Health First Aid for People with Epilepsy
Epilepsy can affect mental health due to stress, anxiety, or fear of having seizures in public.
Here’s how you can help someone emotionally:
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Stay calm and reassuring — panic can make anxiety worse.
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Listen without judgment if they want to talk about their condition or how it affects them.
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Encourage self-care — rest, medication, and stress management are important.
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Support access to help — mental health professionals, epilepsy nurses, or support groups.
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Be aware of depression or anxiety — these are common in people living with epilepsy.
Remember: Psychological wellbeing is just as important as physical safety.
Useful Resources
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Epilepsy Society (UK): epilepsysociety.org.uk
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Epilepsy Foundation (USA): epilepsy.com
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Mental Health First Aid England: mhfaengland.org
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Mental Health First Aid USA: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
🧩 Version 2 – Easy Read Version
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain.
People with epilepsy have something called seizures.
A seizure happens when the brain’s electrical signals get mixed up.
Most people with epilepsy live a normal life.
Some people have seizures often, some only sometimes, and some never again.
Can You Die From Epilepsy?
Most people with epilepsy do not die from it.
A small number do.
Sometimes this can happen if the seizures do not stop, or if a person has a rare condition called SUDEP.
It is important to:
✅ Take your medicine.
✅ Get enough rest.
✅ Go for regular check-ups.
✅ Talk to someone if you feel stressed.
If Someone Has a Seizure – What To Do
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Stay calm.
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Move things away so they don’t get hurt.
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Put something soft under their head.
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Don’t put anything in their mouth.
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When the shaking stops, roll them on their side.
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Call 999 (UK) or 911 (USA) if:
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It lasts more than 5 minutes.
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They don’t wake up.
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They are injured or pregnant.
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Helping Their Feelings (Mental Health First Aid)
Sometimes people with epilepsy feel:
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Worried about having a seizure.
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Sad or embarrassed.
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Tired or stressed.
You can help by:
❤️ Listening.
❤️ Being kind.
❤️ Encouraging them to rest.
❤️ Helping them get help if they need it.
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