Our Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
The Epilepsy Foundation and our nationwide network of local organizations are here to help before and after an emergency.
- Information specialists working our 24/7 Helpline keep in touch with local Epilepsy Foundations and update our database as new resources are identified and created.
- Call 1-800-332-1000 (en Español 1-866-748-8008) for up-to-date information on services available near you.
Fighting For You
The Epilepsy Foundation is advocating for policies that will ensure people with epilepsy can follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and have the health care and supports they need, including access to essential treatments, paid leave, unemployment benefits, housing and special education given increased virtual learning.
Learn more at epilepsy.com/about-us/advocacy/advocacy-priorities/covid-19-advocacy.
Watch Our Facebook Live Series
COVID-19 Vaccine And Epilepsy
January 11, 2021
Dr. Henry Fraimow, Dr. Jacqueline French, and Dr. Elaine Wirrell talk about COVID-19 and what people with epilepsy need to know about the vaccine.
Rick Harrison
April 28, 2020
Rick talked about his work with the Epilepsy Foundation as a Board Member and in his home state of Nevada, what it was like for him living with epilepsy as a child, his life now during the COVID-19 crisis, and fun stories from his famous shop and show Pawn Stars.
All About Face Masks And Going Out In Public
April 23, 2020
- Jeffrey Buchhalter MD, PhD
- Jacqueline French MD
Talking About It With Greg Grunberg
April 21, 2020
Greg talked with Ken Lowenberg and veiwers about his work helping talk about epilepsy and his movies, TV shows, and everything in between.
Managing Medications In A Crisis Part 2
April 14, 2020
- Barry Gidal PharmD
- Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN
Managing Medications In A Crisis Part 1
April 9, 2020
- Barry Gidal PharmD
- Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN
COVID-19 And The Importance Of Research
April 7, 2020
- Brandy Fureman PhD, Chief Outcomes Officer
- Jacqueline French MD, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer
Living With Epilepsy During COVID-19
April 2, 2020
- Liz Dueweke MPH, CHES, Communications & Digital Strategy Manager
- Alison Kukla MPH, Program Manager
Epilepsy Advocacy During The COVID-19 Crisis
March 31, 2020
- Brandy Fureman PhD, Chief Outcomes Officer
- Laura Weidner, Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy
- Rachel Patterson, Senior Director of Government Relations & Advocacy
COVID-19 And Epilepsy
March 26, 2020
- Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN, Senior Director Health Information & Resources and Associate Editor epilepsy.com
- Jacqueline French MD, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer and Research Editor epilepsy.com
COVID-19 And Epilepsy
March 18, 2020
- Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN, Senior Director Health Information & Resources and Associate Editor epilepsy.com
- Jacqueline French MD, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer and Research Editor epilepsy.com
- Elaine Wirrell MD, Co-Editor-in-Chief of epilepsy.com
Like us on Facebook @EpilepsyFoundationofAmerica.
Explore Our COVID-19 And Epilepsy Videos On YouTube
Related Articles
April 7, 2020: “Ketogenic Diets and COVID-19: Is there an interaction?”
April 6, 2020: “Sharing Information about COVID-19 with Children and Teens”
Preparing For Any Emergency
Preparing for potential emergencies is part of life for all of us – whether that's for natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or medical emergencies. This is no different. Here are a few tips to follow now and every day.
- Remember – Talk to your pharmacist first about creating an emergency supply of prescription medicines.
- If you will need a new prescription in a few weeks, get it early so you don’t run out.
- If you have been prescribed a rescue medicine (for example, lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), rectal diazepam (Diastat), nasal midazolam (Nayzilam), or nasal diazepam (Valtoco)) to take if you have a change in seizures, talk to your pharmacist about an emergency supply of this medicine too.
- If you are having trouble with your supply of medicine, contact your pharmacy or call 211 for help. If they are unable to help, let your doctor know as they may need to substitute another medication for a short period.
- Remember – Keep your seizure action or response plan up-to-date. Keep this in one place along with a list of your medications, important documents, and, if possible, a supply of medication in a watertight bag or container.
- Keep a phone and any electronic devices charged that you may need for medication reminders and contact with family and emergency response.
- Keep a pen and paper calendar with you in case there is an extended period without electricity, so you can write down medication reminders or track any seizures.
- Remember – Check in with family or friends on a regular basis.
- Talk about any questions or worries – added stress can affect seizures and your emotional well-being.
More Resources
- American Academy of Neurology COVID-19 Neurology Resource Center
- American Epilepsy Society on COVID-19 and Epilepsy
- American Red Cross, 1-800-RED-CROSS
- Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies-Project (DEE-P) Connections COVID-19 webinars
- International Bureau for Epilepsy COVID-19 & Epilepsy Information
- Patient Advocate Foundation COVID Care Resource Center
- RxOpen.org helps people find nearby pharmacies that are open in areas impacted by disasters or emergencies. While this service does not provide medication, it can help you find a pharmacy that is open, so you can have your prescription transferred there to be filled.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC also offers the following resources:
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance on pandemics in the workplace
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) COVID-19 Resources for Patients
- www.211.org or call 211 from any phone for local resources
We Have More Answers
COVID-19 And Epilepsy
- What is the coronavirus and COVID-19?
- Are people with epilepsy at higher risk of developing COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- What factors may increase the risk from COVID-19 for a person with epilepsy?
- Do children get COVID-19 as often as adults?
- What is autoimmune epilepsy and does it increase my risk for severe COVID-19?
- What can people do to limit exposure to the coronavirus?
- What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) And Seizures
- Are seizures a symptom of COVID-19?
- Can seizures increase if a person gets COVID-19?
- My seizures are worse. What should I do?
Staying Safe And Avoiding Risks During COVID-19
- How do I protect myself from getting sick?
- If COVID-19 is in my community, what should I do?
- When should I wear a mask and what kind is best?
- Are there certain activities or places I should avoid if I have epilepsy?
- Can COVID-19 increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy or SUDEP in a person with epilepsy?
- Can people with epilepsy donate blood?
Managing Epilepsy During COVID-19
- How can I stay on top of managing my seizures?
- How can I manage my stress and worry?
- How do I stay in touch with my health care team?
- When should I go to an emergency room for seizures?
- My child is being evaluated for epilepsy surgery. Will it be canceled?
Testing And Treatment: COVID-19 And Epilepsy
- What testing is available to tell if I have COVID-19?
- What is an antibody test and when should a person get this done?
- Does the use of seizure medicines increase the risk of coronavirus infection?
- Do any of the medicines being tried to treat COVID-19 interact with seizure medicines?
- How can I get more medicine if my health care provider prescribes it? Will it be covered by my insurance?
- What if I have other questions about insurance coverage related to COVID-19 testing or treatment?
- Are there shortages in seizure medicines in the United States?
Resources
Epilepsy Centers
Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.
Epilepsy Medication
Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Forms
Download our seizure tracking app, print out seizure action plans, or explore other educational materials.
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