Everyone learns in different ways. And when you have epilepsy, you might notice that some things feel harder - and some things come more naturally. That’s completely normal.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand how you learn best, using Sally’s real story to show how powerful it can be to know your strengths.
Sally’s story: “Finding out how my brain works changed everything”
When Sally was younger, she struggled at school. She couldn’t recognise people, retrace her steps, or follow stories with lots of characters. She didn’t know why - she thought she just “wasn’t very good at things.”
Later, a neuropsychology test showed the reason:
Her right temporal lobe had been damaged by epilepsy, which made visual memory and recognising faces harder for her. But the test also showed something important - she was really strong in speech, writing, and language.
Once she knew this, everything changed. She started using simple strategies like:
- Writing things down
- Keeping a calendar
- Using photos with names
- Repeating things so they stick better
These weren’t “workarounds.” They were smart ways of learning that matched how her brain works.
And for the first time, Sally saw her strengths - not her struggles.
What do we mean by “learning styles”?
Some people use “learning styles” to describe the way they prefer to take in information. It’s not a test or a label. It’s just about noticing what feels natural and helpful for you.
Here are some common learning style types explained in simple terms:
VARK
- Visual - you learn by seeing pictures, colours, diagrams.
- Auditory - you learn by listening, talking, or hearing information.
- Read/Write - you learn by writing notes, reading information, making lists.
- Kinaesthetic - you learn by doing things, moving, touching, trying tasks out.
Honey & Mumford
- Activist - you like to jump in and try things straight away.
- Reflector - you like time to think quietly first.
- Theorist - you like to understand the “why” behind things.
- Pragmatist - you like practical steps you can use in real life.
Kolb
- Diverging - you like creative ideas and looking at problems from different angles.
- Assimilating - you prefer clear information, facts, and simple explanations.
- Converging - you enjoy problem solving and experimenting.
- Accommodating - you learn by doing and using your instincts.
And there’s also “multiple intelligences”. This simply means people can be good at different types of thinking - like language, music, people skills, nature, logic, or physical activities.
You don’t have to choose one style. Most people learn best when they mix different ways together.
How epilepsy can affect learning
Everyone’s epilepsy is different, but some things can influence how you learn:
- Memory can feel harder, especially just after a seizure
- Concentration may drop if seizures are frequent
- Processing information (especially fast or complex information) can be tricky
- Visual memory or spatial awareness might be affected - like in Sally’s case
- After a seizure, you might feel confused, tired, or unsure what happened before it.
This doesn’t make you less capable - it just means you might need different tools to support your learning.
Spotting “quiet” seizures that affect learning
Some seizures don’t look dramatic. You might:
- Stare into space
- Lose track of what’s happening
- Miss a few words or instructions
- Feel confused when you “come back”.
These are absence seizures or focal seizures, and they can make school feel harder. If this happens to you, it’s not your fault - and teachers might not notice unless you tell them.
(Our seizure films show what these look like. You might want to watch them with someone you trust.)
Finding your learning style: Try these simple ideas
Think about what feels easiest for you. Try the ones that match your natural style:
If you like visual learning
- Use colours, icons, pictures
- Draw simple diagrams or maps
- Watch videos or animations
If you like auditory learning
- Record voice notes
- Read things out loud
- Talk things through with someone
If you like read/write learning
- Make lists
- Write short summaries
- Use a calendar or diary (like Sally does)
If you like kinaesthetic learning
- Try things out yourself
- Use objects, movement, or real examples
- Break tasks into physical steps
You can also mix it up. The best learning often happens when you use more than one style at the same time.
For example: A picture + three key words + a short voice note can make something much easier to remember.
What if school feels difficult?
You are not alone - and you are not “behind” because of a lack of effort.
Here are some things that might help:
- Ask a teacher to repeat key points after a seizure
- Use short recaps to help you get back into a lesson
- Tell teachers which strategies help you most
- Keep notes about what works for you each week
- Use tools like an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) and the ABLE form to help school understand your needs (many schools use it to plan support)
You deserve support that matches your learning style and epilepsy, not generic assumptions.
Sally’s message for you
Sally says:
Understanding what I’m good at helped me stop worrying about the things I found hard.
You deserve that same feeling - of knowing your strengths and using them proudly.
Where to get more help
- Epilepsy specialist nurses can help you understand how seizures affect learning
- School SENCOs and teachers can work with you to try different strategies
- Young Epilepsy’s videos and guides explain seizures, school support, and your rights
- The ABLE tool helps schools understand your learning needs in a clear, practical way
Remember:
- Your brain is unique.
- Your epilepsy is unique.
- And your learning style is unique too.
Finding out what works for you isn’t just helpful - it’s powerful.
