Is Epilepsy a Neurological Disorder or a Chronic Illness?

Is epilepsy a chronic illness or a chronic condition?

People use chronic illness, chronic condition and long-term condition in different ways, and none of them replaces your specialist’s advice.

• What the sources say: the Epilepsy Foundation describes epilepsy as a medical condition that affects the brain and causes seizures (Epilepsy Foundation).
• Ask about your own outlook: how long epilepsy lasts, and how it is managed, depends on the person and the type, so ask your specialist.
• Use the words you prefer: some people say chronic condition, others say neurological condition or simply epilepsy; any of these is fine.
• Keep a seizure diary: write down dates, what happened and how you felt afterwards, and take it to appointments.
• Learn the type: our guide to the different types of epilepsy explains the main groups.

Is epilepsy a neurological disease or nervous system disorder?

Epilepsy is described as a neurological condition because it affects the brain.

To learn what happens in the brain, read how epilepsy affects the brain.

Is epilepsy a seizure disorder, a disorder or an illness?

These words overlap, and what matters is that the condition is recognised and supported.

• Seizure disorder: a term some people use because epilepsy causes seizures.
• Disorder: a common medical word; the Epilepsy Foundation calls epilepsy one of the most common neurological disorders.
• Illness: some people use this word and others prefer a different one; you can choose your own language.
• Causes and triggers: these are different questions, covered in what can cause epilepsy and what can trigger epilepsy.
• Family history: if you wonder about genes, see whether epilepsy can be genetic.

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.

Is epilepsy a mental illness?

The Epilepsy Foundation describes epilepsy as a medical condition that affects the brain.

• How it is described: epilepsy is described as a neurological condition, so ask your doctor if you are unsure which category applies to you.
• Both can matter: a person with epilepsy can also experience low mood or anxiety, and your GP can talk through any mental health concerns.
• Comparing conditions: if you are also wondering about other conditions, see our guide on whether ADHD is a mental illness.
• If you are struggling: call Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time, and call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.

Is epilepsy neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent is a broad term, and not everyone with epilepsy uses it for themselves.

• How the word is used: it is often used to include autistic people and people with ADHD, among others.
• Your identity: whether you describe yourself as neurodivergent is your choice.
• Conditions can overlap: some people have epilepsy and another condition, and a specialist can explain how they interact.
• Do not self-diagnose: a qualified health professional can assess any condition.

How epilepsy is assessed in Australia

Epilepsy is diagnosed by a medical specialist after a person experiences at least two unprovoked seizures.

1. 1See your GP. Describe what happened, how long it lasted and how you felt afterwards, and bring a witness account if someone saw it.
2. 2Ask for a specialist referral. A medical specialist makes the diagnosis, so ask your GP who they recommend.
3. 3Keep a record. Note each seizure with the date, time and any warning signs to share at appointments.
4. 4Ask about a management plan. Ask your specialist for a written plan that tells others what to do during a seizure.
5. 5Call 000 in an emergency. Share the plan with the people around you so they know what to do.

Epilepsy Action Australia notes that seizures can begin at any age, while epilepsy is most frequently diagnosed in childhood and in people over 65.

Is epilepsy a chronic illness under the NDIS?

If you meet the NDIS access requirements, a plan may fund supports that help with daily life.

• Is it a disability? Read whether epilepsy is a disability for how the NDIS and the law look at it.
• Everyday supports: support workers can help with personal care, community access and help around the home.
• Higher needs: for people who need closer support, see our guide to high intensity supports.
• Safety at home: ask your support team to keep the seizure management plan somewhere easy to find.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

Talk to a doctor early rather than waiting, and call 000 in an emergency.

• You or someone you care for has had a seizure for the first time and no cause is known.
• Seizures are happening more often, lasting longer or changing in how they look.
• You are unsure whether your seizure management plan is current or whether others know it.
• Daily life, work, school or mood is being affected and you want to talk about supports.
• You have questions about medicines; do not start, stop or change any without medical advice.

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 everyday help, TQN Care can talk through practical support at home or in the community. Our high-care and complex support workers follow the person’s own seizure management plan and work alongside their family and health team. We do not provide treatment or medical advice.