Epilepsy

We’re all in this for good.

By sharing your stories and data, you will:
  • help each other live better and uncover the best ways to manage your health today
  • help researchers shorten the path to new treatments tomorrow

How much good can your data do? A whole lot, as member Letitia explains in this video.

What is epilepsy?

A group of disorders marked by problems in the normal functioning of the brain. These problems can produce seizures, unusual body movements, a loss of consciousness or changes in consciousness, as well as mental problems or problems with the senses.



Common symptoms reported by people with epilepsy

Common symptoms
How bad it is
What people are taking for it

Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.
Last updated:



Treatments taken by people for epilepsy

Treatment name(s)
Type
How many have tried
Tried for
Treatment name(s)

(Lamictal)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
3093
Tried for
epilepsy (17)
Treatment name(s)

(Keppra)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
3481
Tried for
epilepsy (13)
Treatment name(s)

(Tegretol)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
2550
Tried for
epilepsy (6)
Treatment name(s)

(Vimpat)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
954
Tried for
epilepsy (4)
Treatment name(s)

(Topamax)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
2252
Tried for
epilepsy (4)
Treatment name(s)

(Zonegran)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
1030
Tried for
epilepsy (4)
Treatment name(s)

(Klonopin)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
1606
Tried for
epilepsy (3)
Treatment name(s)

(Depakote)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
1926
Tried for
epilepsy (3)
Treatment name(s)

(Trileptal)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
1134
Tried for
epilepsy (3)
Treatment name(s)

(Dilantin)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
2023
Tried for
epilepsy (2)

Data from patients with epilepsy, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.
Last updated:


Compare treatments taken by people with epilepsy

Treatment name(s)
Perceived effectiveness
Side effects
Total evaluations
Tried for
Treatment name(s)

(Lamictal)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (7 evaluations)
Side effects
anxious mood itchy rash 4 more
Total evaluations
7
Tried for
epilepsy (17)
Treatment name(s)

(Keppra)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (10 evaluations)
Side effects
back pain dizziness 7 more
Total evaluations
10
Tried for
epilepsy (13)
Treatment name(s)

(Tegretol)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (3 evaluations)
Side effects
difficulty sleeping
Total evaluations
3
Tried for
epilepsy (6)
Treatment name(s)

(Vimpat)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (1 evaluation)
Side effects
ataxia (lack of coordination) cognitive impairment 6 more
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
epilepsy (4)
Treatment name(s)

(Topamax)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (3 evaluations)
Side effects
bitter taste carbonated drinks taste flat 14 more
Total evaluations
3
Tried for
epilepsy (4)
Treatment name(s)

(Zonegran)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (2 evaluations)
Side effects
dizziness drowsiness 3 more
Total evaluations
2
Tried for
epilepsy (4)
Treatment name(s)

(Klonopin)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (5 evaluations)
Side effects
balance problems intrusive thoughts images or impulses 3 more
Total evaluations
5
Tried for
epilepsy (3)
Treatment name(s)

(Depakote)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (1 evaluation)
Side effects
diarrhea dizziness 5 more
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
epilepsy (3)
Treatment name(s)

(Trileptal)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (2 evaluations)
Side effects
difficulty thinking fuzzy head 1 more
Total evaluations
2
Tried for
epilepsy (3)
Treatment name(s)

(Dilantin)
Perceived effectiveness
for epilepsy (1 evaluation)
Side effects
osteopenia vision changes
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
epilepsy (2)
  • Major
  • Moderate
  • Slight
  • None
  • Can't tell
  • Severe
  • Moderate
  • Mild
  • None

Data from patients with epilepsy, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.
Last updated:



Who has epilepsy on PatientsLikeMe?

  • 19 new patients joined this month
  • 10248 say epilepsy is their primary condition

Age
Age Proportion # of patients
<20 302
20s 727
30s 2192
40s 2645
50s 2510
60s 1579
70+ 564
Age at first symptom
Age at first symptom Proportion # of patients
0-19 years 2801
20-29 years 817
30-39 years 464
40-49 years 268
50-59 years 78
60-69 years 28
70+ years 7

Distribution of sex

Sex
Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 3315
Female 7267

Diagnosis status
Diagnosis status Proportion # of patients
Diagnosed 6047
Not Diagnosed 180

These charts show data from epilepsy patients who have completed their condition history
Last updated: