Epilepsy (something I live with)
Shattering the Myth of Epilepsy
By Patricia Greco
Publication Date: 02/15/2009
More than 3 million Americans have epilepsy, and 200,000 cases are identified annually, yet the disorder remains the object of misconceptions. “Many people think that epilepsy means having grand mal seizures—the ones you see on ER, with convulsions,” says Dr. Carl W. Bazil, director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Columbia University Medical Center. “Those are the most obvious seizures, but they are not the most common.”
Having two or more seizures as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain generally warrants a diagnosis of epilepsy. But the kinds of seizures depend on the parts of the brain affected. Often, seizures appear subtle: hands twitch, lips smack, eyes flutter or stare blankly. “The average person whose seizures are not fully controlled will have them perhaps two or three times a month,” says Dr. Orrin Devinsky, director of the New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. “Then there are the less than 5% who have severe cases, some having hundreds of minor seizures a day.”this is where I fit in.
Many people assume the disorder is due to genetics or a brain injury (increasingly common among Iraq War veterans). But 70% of the time, the cause is a mystery. As many as seven in 10 people with epilepsy respond to medication. Other options—including surgery and special diets—may provide relief to those who aren’t helped by drugs.
I refuse to allow any surgery.The diet is not helping much.
I got this from Parade magazine.
20 Comments on “Epilepsy (something I live with)”
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Awww…Mondays
I read this article in Parade yesterday. I thought it was good.
Everyone should read this Mike. Many folks just don\’t even know what to do if someone is having a seizure. Very good information Mike.Have a terrific evening. Big hug. 🙂
Mike,Thanks for the heads up on the prayer hub and also for the great information on epilepsy. Sorry I haven\’t been over in a while. With Dakota, my writing and all that\’s going on around here, I barely have time to catch my breath.How have you been? I still have you on my prayer list.Blessings,Mary
Mari,When I saw this I had to post it.Sandee,when I having one of my sever ones Celestine just tries to keep me from hitting my head into things.Mary,thank you for stopping by.
mike…these words are very close to my heart. Thank you for sharing. My prayers continue for your health.~AM
AirmanMom,I just had to post this one it shows what I go throught.
Good information. Thanks for sharing.
Good information. I\’ve heard that flashing lights can affect some people too. I\’ve heard of someone having to unplug her VCR because the flashing light brought on seizures.
Thanks for posting this..it really gives insight into what you are dealing with. Big hugs to you my friend 🙂
Wanda\’s Wings,thans for stopping by.AIR,I\’m glad tht I do not have to do that.I do have to watrch what sites I vist thought,the ones that have glitter graphics can and sometimes do trigger a seizure.Dori,this is something that I had to share not just for myself,but to enlighten peopls about seizures.
very interesting post on epilepsy…My dad had epilepsy…and we dealt with it for many years…I don\’t think I would opt for the surgery either…I pray for you as you deal with this condition…Blessings to you my friend,Mimi
Mimi,so did my Uncle Evan(Dad\’s brother)one of his daughters has it as well as his grandson.
Big Hugs and Blessings to you, Mike.Sincerely,JungleTart
\’Tart,thank you.
Thank you for sharing this article for us, and helping us to understand. I am so sorry you have been experiencing these. Know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers my friend.
Tracy,thank you.I have a second cousin that has epilepsy as well.His Grandfather(my Uncle Evan Dad\’s brother) had it as well.So this looks like it is a genetic trait in the golch side of the family.
Great post. A young man where I work fell off a ladder when he had a seizure. Another worker realized what was happening as was able to break his fall. Could have been very bad fall for him. I keep both of you in my prayers.
I understand about falls,I\’m glad the young man is Ok,once when I had a seizure I fell into our powder room backsward and ended up brusing my arm,I\’m lucky that I did not break something.
Dang…that\’s some rough stuff.
Travis,yes it is,I\’m just greatful that I do not have something wors such as Parkinson\’s desease,or and of the other mind robbing deases.