Bonfire Night might feel a bit worrying if you have epilepsy. Loud noises, bright lights, excitement and crowds can be seizure triggers for some people. However, many young people with epilepsy can still be part of the fun with a few simple precautions.
Can I enjoy the fireworks on bonfire night?
What you should do on bonfire night depends on your seizure triggers.
Photosensitive epilepsy (where you are triggered by flashing lights) is rare, with only a small amount of young people experiencing it. If you have photosensitive epilepsy, flashing or flickering lights may trigger seizures, so you may need to take extra care around fireworks and bonfires.
Other triggers might be less obvious. Bonfire Night celebrations can go on late, so this is worth considering if tiredness or lack of sleep is one of your seizure triggers. If changes in temperature are a seizure trigger for you, make sure you're prepared for a cold evening.
If you're worried that part of the celebration could trigger a seizure, you don't have to miss out on Guy Fawkes Night altogether. You could enjoy other activities in your community or do something different with family or friends to mark the occasion.
Sometimes, seizure triggers won’t be the reason you're worried about Bonfire Night. You might be tired from seizures, medication or just everyday life. You might need some time alone for your wellbeing. That’s absolutely fine too.
Tips to enjoy bonfire night with epilepsy
Many young people with epilepsy can enjoy the fireworks, bonfires, or the events surrounding bonfire night with just a few considerations.
Choose an inclusive event
Some Bonfire Night events can be crowded or noisy, which might make you feel concerned about what would happen if you had a seizure. A smaller, more accessible event in your community could be a better option.
Keep to your medication schedule
Bonfire Night celebrations can go on late. Remember to take your medication at your usual time, and take it with you if you'll be away from home when it's due.
Listen to your body
If you start to feel overwhelmed, tired or concerned about a seizure trigger, listen to your body and move somewhere you feel safe and comfortable.
Plan your evening
Knowing where you're going, how you're getting home and roughly what time you'll be back can make it easier to fit Bonfire Night around your usual routine.
Know your triggers
Even if you don't have photosensitive epilepsy, other parts of Bonfire Night could include your seizure triggers. Knowing your triggers can help you decide what's right for you and how you can reduce your risk.
Let someone know
If you're enjoying Bonfire Night away from your family, consider telling someone you're with that you have epilepsy and what they should do if you have a seizure. If you're not comfortable doing this, you could carry a medical ID with information about your epilepsy.
Bonfire Night doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Whether you love watching the fireworks, prefer a smaller get together, or decide to give the event a miss altogether, that’s OK. Know your triggers, look after yourself and choose the kind of celebration that works for you.
