Epilepsy Talk
Epilepsy Help! No-cost or low-cost drugs and patient assistance programs
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Today, things are constantly changing. Especially when it comes to epilepsy medications and resources.
Some companies have expanded their programs or even offer new ones. Others have cut their funds, and sadly others have ceased to exist.
Here’s a new and comprehensive list…
Tags: comprehensive list, Epilepsy, free, help, low-cost, medication, new, pharmaceuticals, resources
12 Epilepsy Travel Tips
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Traveling has never been easy, and people with epilepsy have always had to think twice about safety and managing medications while traveling. Since September 11, 2001, taking a trip has become even more difficult for people with epilepsy and their family members.
There are several reasons for this. Increased security is producing closer scrutiny of medications carried on flights, more questions regarding implanted Vagus Nerve Stimulators, and increased concerns about the possibility of having a seizure during a flight.
And not everyone knows what a seizure is or what to do. They may not recognize certain behaviors as being cause by a seizure. They may just think that a person who is confused during a seizure will become agitated or attack someone. Or in a mistaken attempt to help or detain, they may try to restrain that person.
So it’s mandatory to have written information from your GP or neurologist which explains about your epilepsy and the anti-epileptic medication you take, together with a list.
In short, protect yourself and identify who you are to avoid any mistaken perceptions…
Tags: checklist, contact information, double medication, Epilepsy, explanation, first aid, FREE ID, medical alert card, medication list, refills, schedule, Tips, travel, VNS
10 Ways to Cope with Your Fear and Anxiety
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You’re choking. You’re drowning. You’re going down for the count. How many times have we all been there?
I’m sure everyone has their own way of coping — or else we wouldn’t be here.
Nonetheless, here are some helpful tips to get you over that hump…
Tags: anxiety, best case, celebrate, cope, fear, panic, perfection, perspective, pro-active, reality, support, talk, worst case
Groundbreaking Report: A Giant Step for Epilepsy
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In a special presentation from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a groundbreaking report was released with 13 recommendations that the IOM designed to help improve care for all people with epilepsy…
Dating Disasters and Epilepsy
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When I was a teen I fell down, walked into walls, bumped into virtually everything in my path, and almost drowned in the shower.
So, you can imagine what a disaster dating was. Of course, in my infinite wisdom, I would never tell my dates that I had epilepsy. My parents wouldn’t even utter the word, so rather than become a pariah, I kept my mouth shut.
Bad idea…
The Stats and Facts of Epilepsy
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I call epilepsy a “stealth” disease, because it’s difficult to imagine how so few people can know about a disease that affects so many.
For example, few people know:
* Epilepsy affects over 2.2 million Americans of all ages – almost twice the number who have Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Autism spectrum disorders combined…
Tags: 2.2 million Americans, children, death, Epilepsy, facts, genetics, head injury, soldiers, stats, Stroke, uncontrolled, underfunded
If you’ve just been diagnosed with epilepsy…
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You’ve just been diagnosed with epilepsy…
YOU’RE SCARED. Who wouldn’t be? THE DOCS. There are lots of terrific ones. THE TESTS. They can actually help to correctly diagnose your epilepsy. I’LL DIE. Not very likely. MY LIFE IS OVER. No, it’s not, but it will change…
Tags: auras, Epilepsy, fear, first aid, forums, help, ignorance, knowledge, Neurologist, prejudice, seizure diary, support groups, tests, triggers, websites
Epilepsy – Yes or No?
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Epilepsy is not a dirty word. Neither is pseudo-seizures. But they both coexist, side by side.
One of the most common complications is the misconception that people who suffer from pseudo-seizures are hypochondriacs, hysterics, or “faking it.” The name for the condition alone, “pseudo-seizures,” perpetuates that misunderstanding.
Tags: "pseudo-seizures", diary, EEGs, Epilepsy, false, grand-mal, hypochondriacs, misdiagnosis, Panic Attacks, petit mal, physical, Physiologic Non-Epileptic Seizures (NES), Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures – (PNES), psychological, symtoms, trauma, true, Video EEG Monitoring
Preparing your child for brain surgery
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There is no “welcome” sign to the world of childhood brain surgery. And the resulting combination of fear, shock, and pain is almost too much to bear.
No amount of preparation or knowledge can help to ease or minimize the situation.
But preparing a child for surgery emotionally, is one of the most important things you can do. Surgery, without proper explanations and preparation, can traumatize a child…
Tags: books, brain, children, doctors', emotions, explanations, fear, hospitals, knowledge, nurses, preparation, reassurances, surgery
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