Pursuing higher education presents unique challenges for individuals living with epilepsy. Despite this, research on academic achievement among adults with epilepsy remains limited, and their educational outcomes are not well documented.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan using a questionnaire developed via Google Forms. It targeted adults aged 18–25 with epilepsy, comparing those with well-controlled and poorly controlled seizure conditions.
A total of 99 adults with epilepsy pursuing or recently completing higher education participated (53.5% female, mean age 22.4 ± 1.95 years, range 19–26).
The most common reported challenges were sleep disturbances and cognitive impairments (37%), followed by unsupportive academic staff (15%). Epilepsy influenced major selection in some cases: 22% avoiding certain fields due to fear of stigma and 15% due to anxiety about seizures during class. Only 14% viewed epilepsy as a barrier to education. Socially, 79% felt others were comfortable around them, and 86% did not feel seen as inferior or avoided. Psychological screening (HADS, n=77) showed that most participants had normal anxiety (90%) and depression (95%) scores. However, higher anxiety scores were significantly associated with reporting academic and social challenges (χ²(2,77) = 7.26, p = .026). Outcomes did not differ significantly between the well-controlled and poorly controlled epilepsy groups.
While most young adults with epilepsy in this study successfully pursued higher education and reported good academic engagement, a significant proportion faced challenges. Although only a minority viewed epilepsy as a direct obstacle, factors such as stigma, fear of seizures, and psychological distress (particularly anxiety) played a role in shaping their academic experiences. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness, academic accommodations, and mental health support to improve outcomes for students with epilepsy.