Epilepsy

Infrequent seizures may not severely restrict the person's lifestyle. Work, school, and recreation do not necessarily need to be restricted.

Complications:

Prolonged seizures or numerous seizures without complete recovery between them (status epilepticus)
Injury from falls, bumps, or self-inflicted bites
Injury from having a seizure while driving or operating machinery
Inhaling fluid into the lungs and subsequent aspiration pneumonia
Permanent brain damage (stroke or other damage)
Difficulty with learning
Side effects of medications
Many anti-epileptic medications cause birth defects -- women wishing to become pregnant should alert their doctor in advance in order to adjust medications

Calling your health care provider:

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Call your local emergency number (911) if this the first time a person has had a seizure or a seizure is occuring in someone without a medical ID bracelet (instructions explaining what to do). In the case of someone who has had seizures before, call the ambulance for any of these emergency situations:

This is a longer seizure than the person normally has, or an unusual number of seizures for the person
Repeated seizures over a few minutes
Repeated seizures where consciousness or normal behavior is not regained between them (status epilepticus)

Call your health care provider if any new symptoms occur, including possible side effects of medications (drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, sedation, or others), nausea/vomiting, rash, loss of hair, tremors or abnormal movements, or problems with coordination.