What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. A seizure is a temporary change in normal brain activity, and it can affect movement, awareness, behaviour, sensation or consciousness. There are many different types of epilepsy and many different types of seizures. Not every seizure means a person has epilepsy, but people with epilepsy have a tendency to experience recurring seizures.

Seizures are often described by where they begin in the brain. Broadly, seizures may be:

• focal seizures, which start in one area of the brain

• generalised seizures, which involve both sides of the brain from the start

• unknown onset seizures, where the starting point is not clear.
  
  

How epilepsy may affect daily function

Epilepsy affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• safety during daily activities

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• fatigue and physical endurance

• participation at school, work or in the community

• independence with routines and self-care

• confidence in everyday environments

• communication, cognition or learning in some cases

• family routines and carer support needs

For some people, the impact on daily life may come not only from seizures themselves, but also from recovery after seizures, medication side effects, fatigue, reduced confidence, or restrictions around activities and supervision. This is an inference based on how seizures can affect awareness, movement, and function.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support children and adults with epilepsy where there are goals related to mobility, strength, balance, gross motor function, endurance, falls risk or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• mobility and walking support

• balance and coordination activities

• strengthening and physical activity programs

• gross motor development

• falls risk reduction strategies

• support for confidence with movement

• activity planning around fatigue or reduced physical tolerance
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when epilepsy is affecting daily living, safety, routines, self-care, school participation, fatigue management, sensory needs, equipment use or independence. OT may include:

• routine and self-care support

• practical safety strategies

• fatigue management and pacing

• support for home, school or community participation

• environmental modifications or equipment recommendations where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not automatically required for everyone with epilepsy, but it may be relevant where a person has associated communication, language, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing concerns, particularly if epilepsy is part of a broader neurological or developmental presentation.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some children, adolescents or adults with epilepsy who need support with strength, endurance, physical conditioning, exercise participation or structured activity. Programs should be tailored carefully, taking into account the person’s health status, seizure management advice and functional presentation.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how epilepsy is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

improving mobility and confidence with movement

supporting safe participation in daily activities

helping with routine, independence and function

building strength and endurance

supporting school, work or community participation

helping carers support daily routines more effectively

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, GP, neurologist, school team and broader support network where appropriate.

FAQ

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. A seizure is a change in normal brain activity that can affect movement, awareness, sensation or behaviour.

Are all seizures the same?

No. There are many different seizure types. Broadly, seizures may be focal, generalised or of unknown onset, depending on where they begin in the brain.

Can physiotherapy help someone with epilepsy?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, balance, strength, gross motor skills, endurance and physical participation for people living with epilepsy, depending on their needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with epilepsy?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, routines, safety, fatigue management, school or home participation, and independence in everyday life.

Does everyone with epilepsy need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has associated communication, language, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can adults with epilepsy access allied health support?

Yes. Adults living with epilepsy may benefit from allied health support related to mobility, safety, fatigue, daily function, participation and independence.

When should someone with epilepsy see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when epilepsy is affecting mobility, safety, fatigue, daily living, school or work participation, confidence, or independence.

What should I do if someone has a seizure?

The CDC advises learning seizure first aid, helping the person stay safe, and calling emergency services if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if the person does not fully wake up between seizures.

Can allied health treat epilepsy itself?

No. Epilepsy requires medical diagnosis and management. The CDC lists common treatments such as medication, surgery, seizure devices and special diets. Allied health does not treat the epilepsy itself, but may support the person’s function, safety and participation in everyday life.

If you or your family member is living with epilepsy and would like support with mobility, safety, daily function or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

External Resources for Epilepsy in Australia

Epilepsy Australia
https://www.epilepsy.org.au
The national peak body for epilepsy in Australia, providing resources, support, and advocacy for individuals living with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Action Australia
https://www.epilepsy.org.au
Offers information, resources, and services for people living with epilepsy and their families.

Better Health Channel – Epilepsy
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
A comprehensive overview of epilepsy, including symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
https://www.ndis.gov.au
Provides support for Australians with disabilities, including those living with epilepsy.

Australian Physiotherapy Association – Epilepsy Resources
https://australian.physio
Resources and insights for physiotherapists working with individuals affected by epilepsy.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.