Frequently Asked Questions

People with dissociative seizures have to report their illness to the DVLA (Driving and Vehicle Licencing Authority).

Typically, people who experience symptoms that may lead to an altered ability to drive, are deemed not fit to drive by the DVLA, until their symptoms have resolved for specified durations of time.

In people with dissociative seizures, symptoms such as altered awareness and consciousness, loss of control of arms and legs, tremor, altered vision and blank spells would typically be considered to affect the ability to drive safely.

However, if the dissociative seizures do resolve, then a person may be able to resume driving.

All decisions on driving licences are made by the medical panel of the DVLA. The medical panel of the DVLA typically requests information from patients and doctors before making their decisions on fitness to drive.

Employers are under the obligation to set reasonable accommodations to support you in the work place. It is against the law for employers to discriminate against you because of a disability or illness. It is important to maintain your employment role where possible.

Employers can ask you about your illness to ensure you’re able to carry out the job safely, for example if you have dissociative seizures that come on without warning, it may not be possible to work in a place where you need to operate heavy machinery.

Schools, colleges and universities offer support and additional help to students with disabilities or illnesses including dissociative seizures. They usually have an assigned person to support people with disabilities and illnesses during education. This assigned person is your go-to person to discuss and concerns regarding your disability or illness and education. Every school, college and university is different, so have a conversation with them to find out exactly what supports are available.

If you have received benefits because of your seizures, this should not change based on a diagnosis of dissociative seizures. It is still disabling and very real.  

Make sure your friends and family understand what is going on and how to help you. It can be difficult explaining dissociative seizures to family and friends who may have never heard of it. Directing friends and family to this app can be useful in assisting their understanding and informing them how to help you.

A useful way to open up the conversation is telling them that you have events where you may shake, lose consciousness or fall to the floor but this is not caused by epilepsy. [link to Craigs video]

Dissociative seizures are caused by other factors and it may be helpful to watch the Stress Vulnerability Bucket model with friends and family.

Dissociative Seizures do not need medical intervention and are not dangerous in itself. [Link to Craig}

A helpful way to explain your dissociative seizures is to tell your children you may sometimes shake, lose consciousness or fall to the floor however, when this happens, you’re not in danger and to not worry.

It may be useful to inform them that they can help you during an attack by placing a pillow under your head, to step back and offer reassurance by saying things like “you’ll be okay” and “you’re safe”.

If a dissociative seizure lasts for an extended period, exceeding five minutes, it rarely requires emergency medical attention, as they typically persist longer than epileptic seizures. These prolonged episodes are not harmful and won't cause any damage to the brain. However, during the initial diagnostic conversations, it is crucial to seek guidance from a neurologist who can provide a thorough evaluation, explaining the various types of seizures and creating a tailored management plan to ensure the best possible care for the individual's specific condition.

No.

The number of dissociative seizures can change over time. There may be times where you have a higher number of events and they could even last for a longer period of time. But there may also be times where you experience very few episodes. It is different for each individual.

If you are having frequent dissociative seizures stop and look at the stress vulnerability bucket model featured in this App to understand why this might be happening.

It is important to remember that it is still unlikely that you will come to any harm even if you are having more frequent dissociative seizures.

Although it can be scary for people to witness a dissociative seizure, it is important that they know you are unlikely to come to any harm.

It might be helpful to follow this advice.

Firstly

1. Family and friends should try to stay calm.
2. It is not necessary to call an ambulance, the dissociative seizure will stop.
3. Make the person having the dissociative seizure comfortable, this may be a pillow at their head or removing any objects close by that could cause injury.
4. Advise family and friends what you would like them to do when having a dissociative seizure, such as speaking to you, holding your hand or giving you space and privacy.

It may also be helpful to share information from this app to help them understand dissociative seizures and to learn the best way to support you.

Yes it is safe. It understandable that you, your family and friends may be anxious about you leaving the house especially if you are on your own. However it is really important that you live as full a life as possible even if you are still having dissociative seizures. We know that having a routine, social contacts, and maintaining a range of meaningful roles help to manage dissociative seizures.

There are some practical tips you can consider using. These include

1. Having your phone with in case you feel you need help when out.
2. Have a messaging system with family and friends to confirm your safe arrival at destinations
3. Start with going to familiar locations and build up from there
4. If you feel a dissociative seizure starting, identify a safe space to sit down and allow the seizure to pass.
5. Have information on your person about your dissociative seizures and management that you can refer to should a member of the public show concern or emergency services such as paramedics are called. Some people prefer to wear an alert bracelet which you can source online.