What epilepsy looks like in real life often challenges what people assume.

If you work in care, this episode will change how you recognise epilepsy in real people — not just in guidance. We go beyond assumptions to explore lived experience, missed presentations, updates and new technology and what all this means for safe, informed care.

Epilepsy affects more than 600,000 people in the UK, yet it remains widely misunderstood. In this powerful episode of Momentum Matters, host TeeJay Dowe is joined by Tom Shillito (Epilepsy Action) and Jez Orbell (supporter of Epilepsy Society) who shares his personal experience of living with epilepsy for over 30 years.

Together, they explore what epilepsy really is, the different types of seizures, and how the condition impacts independence, mental wellbeing, work, relationships, and everyday life. Jez speaks candidly about diagnosis, medication side effects, loss of independence, and what it meant to finally regain his driving licence after 34 years.

This episode also looks at the wider picture: inequalities in epilepsy care across the UK, long waits to see specialists, stigma, and why person‑centred care is essential. The conversation highlights emerging technology, including seizure monitoring, wearables, AI, and advances in neurology that could transform epilepsy management in the future.

An honest, informative, and necessary conversation for anyone living with epilepsy, supporting someone who is, or wanting to better understand this complex condition.

🔍 In This Episode, We Cover:

• What epilepsy is
• The different types of seizures and common misconceptions
• Living with epilepsy: diagnosis, medication, and side effects
• Independence, driving restrictions, and their emotional impact
• Inequality in epilepsy care and access to specialists
• SUDEP awareness and seizure safety
• The role of technology, wearables, and AI in epilepsy care
• Breaking stigma and improving awareness

👥 Guests:

• Tom Shillito – Epilepsy Action
• Jez Orbell – Lived experience of epilepsy

📌 Resources & Support:

• Epilepsy Action – UK support, information, and advice: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk
• Epilepsy Society - UK support, information, and advice: https://www.epilespysociety.org.uk