Epilepsy Talk

12 Epilepsy Travel Tips

May 23, 2012
23 Comments

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…


New Epilepsy Diagnosis — Now What?

April 30, 2012
12 Comments

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…


Epilepsy Advocacy Letter

March 10, 2011
2 Comments

Dear Friend / Neighbor,

This isn’t a note asking for money. (Although feel free to donate if you want to!)

It’s about epilepsy. Because even though over 3 million Americans have it (more than Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, and Parkinson’s Disease combined), no one seems to want to talk about it.


Popular TV Dramas Portray First Aid For Seizures Inaccurately

March 29, 2010
3 Comments

New research from Canada shows that almost half of the time, doctors and nurses on popular TV medical dramas respond inappropriately to seizures, suggesting that watching TV is not the best way to learn what to do if you are present when someone has a seizure.


    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson has been a professional copywriter for 30 years. She also spent 20 years with epilepsy. She writes from the heart to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. For further information, contact The Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania at http://www.efepa.org/ and please make a contribution to become an advocate, too.

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