It is untrue to say that fear always exists in a patient that he may get a sudden attack of epilepsy anywhere and at any time. This is not the case, since in the majority of the cases the attacks of epilepsy are effectively controlled with proper medication, and the patient gets permanent remission after the treatment is over. Hence there is no reason that the patient should be in undue panic unduly. He should lead a normal life in all respects.
This uncalled-for apprehension of the patient can only be eliminated by the physician through constant counseling, and many a time the whole family may need to be guided about the true nature of the disease, in a particular case. This is of utmost significance in the treatment of epilepsy. The patient
…show more content…
A factory worker has to guard himself against injuries while working on various machil1es. Similarly, a laborer, or any other worker, has to be vigilant. Such professions may have to be avoided by the patient, to be on the safe side. However, it depends from case to case, and, above all, on the advice of the physician.
Similarly, a taxi driver / or any driver may find difficulty in continuing with his job. In some countries, driving is not permitted for six months, or even for two years after the patient is free from attacks. However, again, things vary from patient to patient.
Another important point to follow is that a patient of epilepsy should strictly follow his daily routine as regards his timing of food, work, sleep, etc. He should not keep awake the whole night, as may be required sometimes under certain circumstances, as far as possible. This point can be elaborated by saying that in some cases, for the diagnosis of epilepsy, when the usual EEG is normal, a sleep-deprivation (in which case the patient is instructed to remain awake the whole night) EEG is taken, which may be positive. This helps in the diagnosis of epilepsy. Hence the importance of good sleep for a patient of