About Epilepsy
Understand epilepsy. Find your next step.
Start with the basics, learn about seizures, or explore diagnosis and treatment. This hub brings Epilepsy Ontario’s information together so you can find the topic you need.
Please Read
Information to support your understanding.
This webpage is subject to continuous review by Epilepsy Ontario to help keep the information current. Medical knowledge and recommendations can change, and updates to individual pages may be in progress.
This material is for informational purposes only. It should not be used for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Consult your healthcare provider about symptoms, a possible seizure, your diagnosis or your treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed medication without guidance from your healthcare provider.
Know How to Help
Looking for seizure first aid?
Find guidance on helping someone during a seizure, what to avoid and when emergency help is needed.
If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. This website is not an emergency service.
Understand the Basics
Start with your questions.
Explore these topics in any order. You do not need to work through them as a series.
Understanding Epilepsy
What is epilepsy?
An introduction to epilepsy and the difference between having a seizure and being diagnosed with epilepsy.
Understanding Seizures
What is a seizure?
Learn about seizures and the different ways they can affect a person’s awareness, movements, sensations or behaviour.
Recognizing Differences
Types of seizures
Explore information about different seizure types and the language you may hear when discussing seizures with a healthcare provider.
Explore Further
Epilepsy types & syndromes
Browse additional information about named epilepsy conditions, syndromes and related seizure topics.
Diagnosis & Care
Prepare for conversations about your health.
Use these pages to learn more and identify questions to bring to your healthcare provider.
Assessment
Diagnosis & testing
Explore the assessment process, information about seizure episodes and tests you may discuss with your healthcare team.
Possible Explanations
Causes of epilepsy
Learn about possible causes of epilepsy and questions to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Care Options
Treatment & medication
Explore information about medications and other treatment approaches to discuss with your healthcare team.
Patterns & Questions
Seizure triggers
Explore the topic of seizure triggers. Ask your healthcare provider which information is relevant to your own circumstances.
Have another question?
Browse frequently asked questions, then bring questions about your own health or treatment to your healthcare provider.
Beyond the Basics
Information for everyday life.
Continue to practical resources, school and workplace information, and community support.
Living with epilepsy
Explore information about daily life, family, safety and finding support.
At work & school
Find resources for families, educators, people with epilepsy and employers.
Research & resources
Find educational materials, videos, Spark sheets and research resources.
Community Connection
Find support close to home.
Your local epilepsy agency can help you learn about available education, programs and community services. Medical questions should be directed to your healthcare provider.
