Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We have limited information about how Coronavirus may affect people with epilepsy but epilepsy is not on the list of conditions that can increase your risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Some people are more at risk of seizures if they are unwell and if they have a temperature. The advice in this situation is to drink plenty of water and take paracetamol which is safe for most people with epilepsy (but check with your pharmacist if you are unsure). The best way of protecting against having a seizure is to take your epilepsy medicine as usual throughout any illness. If you vomit within 20 minutes of taking your medication or you see your tablet, repeat the dose when you can.

For most people a seizure is not a medical emergency and does not need hospital treatment. You should already have been advised about seizure management and when to seek urgent medical advice.

Work with drug companies nationally is been undertaken to minimise the impact of the virus on drug supplies and medications should continue to be available. Any anti-epileptic drug shortages will be posted on the Epilepsy Action drugwatch webpage (www.epilepsy.org.uk). You should plan in advance how you would get your medications in case you & your family need to self-isolate. Check with your pharmacy about home delivery services.

Further updated information about this issue can be found at www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/daily-life/safety/coronavirus-covid-19  Please be aware during these unprecedented times you may experience disruption or delay to our normal advice service.