Can You Develop Epilepsy Later in Life?

Can you develop epilepsy later in life?

Yes. Late onset epilepsy, also called adult onset epilepsy, means epilepsy that starts in adulthood.

• Any age: Epilepsy Action Australia states that seizures can begin at any age (Epilepsy Action Australia).
• Peak ages: epilepsy is most frequently diagnosed in childhood and in people over 65 years of age.
• Common condition: it is the fourth most common neurological condition, after migraine, stroke and dementia.
• Different from a single seizure: a seizure and epilepsy are not the same thing; see seizure vs epilepsy.
• Children and adults: if you are looking for information on younger people, see childhood epilepsy.

Can epilepsy start later in life: what can cause it?

Epilepsy Action Australia lists several causes, and in many cases none is found (What is epilepsy).

• Head injury: a past injury to the head is listed as a cause.
• Stroke or brain haemorrhage: both are on the list.
• Lack of oxygen to the brain: this is another listed cause.
• Brain infections and brain tumours: both appear in the list of causes.
• Brain abnormalities present at birth, and genetic factors: these are also listed.
• Unknown: in about half of people diagnosed, the cause is never known.

For more detail, read what can cause epilepsy. Your specialist is the right person to discuss what may apply to you.

Epilepsy symptoms in adults: signs to notice

Seizures can look different from person to person, so write down what you or others notice.

Signs of epilepsy in adults, including early or mild symptoms, are not always obvious. Only a doctor can tell whether an event was a seizure, so see your GP rather than waiting.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

How adult epilepsy is assessed in Australia

Assessment is led by doctors, and the usual starting point is your GP. Read more in how epilepsy is diagnosed.

1. 1See your GP. Describe the event and bring your notes, and ask a family member or friend who saw it to come along.
2. 2Ask about a referral. Ask your GP whether you need to see a specialist, such as a neurologist, for further assessment.
3. 3Follow your doctor’s advice. Ask which tests they recommend and what they involve.
4. 4Ask about safety. Ask your doctor about driving, work, swimming and bathing, since advice depends on your situation.
5. 5Keep a record. Note any further events, so your specialist can review them.

Treatment for epilepsy in adults

Treatment is decided by your doctor, and this guide cannot recommend any treatment.

• Specialist care: a specialist explains the options that suit your type of epilepsy and your health.
• Medicines: never start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Regular reviews: ask how often you should be seen and what to do if events change.
• Seizure management plan: ask your doctor for a written plan, and keep a copy where family, friends and support workers can find it.
• Questions: write down questions before each appointment so you leave with clear answers.

If you develop epilepsy later in life: home, work and community

Living with adult epilepsy can involve planning for safety at home, at work and in the community.

• Tell the people around you: share your plan with family, flatmates, colleagues and support workers, if you are comfortable.
• If someone has a seizure: follow the person’s own seizure management plan and call 000 in an emergency.
• Daily routines: ask your doctor what safety steps suit your home, work and activities.
• Support workers: can help with daily tasks and community access, including when you have more complex needs; see high intensity supports.
• Health conditions together: epilepsy can occur with other conditions; see migraine and epilepsy.
• Risks: talk to your specialist about risks, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and what can reduce them.

Can you develop epilepsy later in life and get NDIS support?

NDIS support depends on whether you meet the NDIS access requirements, so check the official guidance and talk to your doctors about evidence.

• If you meet the NDIS access requirements: the NDIS may fund supports linked to your disability.
• Evidence: bring letters and reports from your GP and specialist that describe how epilepsy affects your daily activities.
• Disability and epilepsy: read is epilepsy a disability for more.
• Information and support: Epilepsy Action Australia and the Epilepsy Foundation offer information and support.
• Complex needs: see our high-care and complex support page.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

See a doctor promptly if anything on this list applies, and call 000 in an emergency.

• You have had an event you think may have been a seizure, even if it was brief and you felt fine afterwards.
• Someone has told you that you lost awareness, behaved oddly or moved unusually and you do not remember it.
• You have a known condition and your events are changing in how often they occur, how long they last or what they look like.
• You are worried about safety at home, at work, when driving or when caring for others.
• You need a letter or report for the NDIS, your employer or a support service.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If you or someone you care for lives with epilepsy and needs practical support, TQN Care can help. Our support workers assist with personal care, community access and help around the home, including higher-care needs, across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). See our high-care and complex support page or make a referral and we will call you back.