The Impact of Epilepsy on Quality of Life

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological conditions. The impact of epilepsy extends well beyond the direct effects of seizures and includes a number of challenges, which may lead to disability and severely reduced quality of life. People with epilepsy can face diminished social support and family function, cognitive challenges, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and stigmatization. In addition, those with epilepsy also report more difficulty in employment, lower annual incomes, and physical limitations. It is important to understand and to work to improve quality of life for people with epilepsy. This chapter reviews epilepsy as a syndrome (causes, incidence), specific effects of epilepsy on quality of life, methods for assessing quality of life, and treatment to improve the lives of people diagnosed with epilepsy.