Supporting People with Epilepsy: 5 Types You Should Understand

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world. Yet, its impact on daily life can vary dramatically from person to person. That’s because epilepsy is not just one condition. It’s a group of seizure disorders, each with its own triggers, symptoms, and care needs.

Whether you’re an NDIS participant, carer, family member, or support worker, understanding the type of epilepsy someone has is crucial to building the right support around them.

In this blog, we explore the five broad types of epilepsy and what they mean for daily life and NDIS-funded support.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A person is generally diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing two or more unprovoked seizures, at least 24 hours apart.

It affects around 1 in 25 Australians, and for many, it’s a lifelong condition. But with the right support, treatment, and understanding, people with epilepsy can lead full, independent lives.

The 5 Main Types of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is typically classified into five categories based on where seizures start and how they present. These classifications are based on guidelines from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).

1. Focal Epilepsy (Focal Onset Seizures)

What it is:
Focal epilepsy originates in one specific area of the brain. Seizures can either retain awareness or involve impaired awareness.

• Focal aware seizures: The person is conscious and aware during the seizure, but may experience sensations, emotions, or involuntary movements.
• Focal impaired awareness seizures: The person is partially aware or confused during the seizure, which may involve automatisms (e.g. lip-smacking, wandering).

Daily Support Considerations:

• Trained support workers to recognise subtle signs of seizures.
• Support during activities that involve risk (cooking, crossing streets, etc.).
• Supervision if seizure frequency is high or unpredictable.
• Medication and appointment management.

2. Generalised Epilepsy (Generalised Onset Seizures)

What it is:
Generalised epilepsy affects both sides of the brain from the onset and usually causes a loss of consciousness. These seizures often start suddenly and are more visible.

Common types include:

• Tonic-clonic seizures: Stiffening and shaking, followed by confusion or fatigue.
• Absence seizures: Brief, sudden lapses in awareness (often mistaken for daydreaming).
• Myoclonic seizures: Sudden, brief muscle jerks.
• Atonic seizures: Sudden loss of muscle tone, causing falls (“drop attacks”).
• Tonic seizures: Brief muscle stiffening, often during sleep.

Daily Support Considerations:

• Seizure first aid and recovery position training.
• Environmental safety adjustments (soft flooring, padded furniture, etc.).
• Monitoring for falls or injuries.
• Consistent medication routines and documentation of seizures.

3. Combined Generalised and Focal Epilepsy

What it is:
Some people experience both generalised and focal seizures. This type may also involve structural brain abnormalities or genetic conditions and is often seen in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies.

Daily Support Considerations:

• Higher levels of supervision and support planning.
• Tailored routines with flexibility for recovery.
• Support workers trained in multiple seizure types.
• Multidisciplinary care involving neurologists, behaviour support specialists, and allied health professionals.

4. Unknown Onset Epilepsy

What it is:
In some cases, doctors can’t determine where a seizure begins. This is often due to limited information (e.g., seizures that occur during sleep or unwitnessed episodes). These may later be reclassified as focal or generalised once more information is gathered.

Daily Support Considerations:

• Observation and seizure diary tracking to identify patterns.
• Adaptable care strategies until diagnosis is clarified.
• Emphasis on safety precautions and incident response.
• Ongoing communication with medical specialists.

5. Reflex Epilepsy

What it is:
This less common form of epilepsy is triggered by specific external stimuli, such as:

• Flickering lights (photosensitive epilepsy)
• Reading or writing (reading epilepsy)
• Hot water (hot water epilepsy)
• Sounds or music (audiogenic epilepsy)

Daily Support Considerations:

• Avoidance of known triggers (e.g. screen filters, noise control).
• Sensory-friendly environments.
• Planning of daily routines to reduce risk.
• Educating others about specific triggers and management strategies.

NDIS Support For Epilepsy

For NDIS participants, epilepsy may be listed as a primary or secondary diagnosis, depending on the impact it has on function. Support related to epilepsy is often included in a person’s NDIS plan under:

• Core Supports (e.g. personal care, daily living, community access)
• Capacity Building Supports (e.g. training in self-management, behaviour support)
• Consumables or Assistive Technology (e.g. seizure alarms, safety equipment)

To receive appropriate funding, it’s essential that epilepsy is well-documented in a participant’s plan, including the type, severity, and support needs. This can ensure access to:

• Trained and qualified support workers
• Emergency response planning
• Risk management strategies
• Behavioural or neurological support if needed

Supporting Participants With Epilepsy

Supporting someone with epilepsy means more than just responding to seizures. It’s about creating a safe, consistent, and empowering environment. Key skills for carers may include:

• Seizure first aid (e.g. timing the seizure, keeping the person safe, knowing when to call for help)
• Medication management and understanding of side effects
• Recognition of seizure types and post-seizure behaviour
• Documentation and communication with healthcare providers
• Emotional support for anxiety or recovery after seizures

Understanding Epilepsy For Better Support

Epilepsy can impact thinking, energy levels, memory, mobility, and confidence. But with the right understanding of what type of epilepsy someone is living with, you can tailor support that’s proactive, not just reactive.

Whether you’re an NDIS participant, a family member, or a support worker, knowing these five types of epilepsy helps build safer, stronger, more empowering care.

Looking for NDIS Support Tailored to Epilepsy and Complex Needs?

Maple specialises in individualised supports for people living with epilepsy. Whether you need help getting started with the NDIS or want a provider who understands complex care, we’re here for you.

Get in touch with out team today and take the first step toward more confident support.