Epilepsy Talk

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

May 28, 2023
2 Comments

All of us have dreams. Some become reality…and some stay in our imaginations forever.


Vagus Nerve Stimulation — The Secret Is In Your Breathing!

May 26, 2023
1 Comment

Several components contribute to the profound influence of deep breathing upon the nervous system.

Deep breathing improves VNS results!


Epilepsy and anesthesia…

May 22, 2023
2 Comments

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) cause unique considerations for patients with epilepsy because skipping, or even delaying, a single dose, can result in seizures.

Strategies for avoiding or minimizing skipped doses are paramount in the care of patients with epilepsy.


Before you agree to surgery… 

May 18, 2023
15 Comments

How many times have you heard: “Well, it isn’t exactly brain surgery.” Well this time it is.

And it’s your brain.

It’s a scary trip into the unknown. Thoughts are swirling around in your head: What will happen to me? Is this the right thing to do? Is this really the best surgeon for the job? What if it doesn’t work? Maybe I should put it off…

It’s really hard to be prepared for something as radical as brain surgery – either physically or emotionally. That’s why it’s important to gather all the information you can, before hand.

Remember: Knowledge is power.

Here some things to consider and ask your neurologist/neurosurgeon team before surgery.


Lefties unite!

May 15, 2023
5 Comments

So you have epilepsy. And you’re left-handed. Is it a curse…a blessing…or a challenge?

Well, you’re not exactly alone.

Between six and sixteen percent of people today are left-handed. And guess what?

Left-handedness is also associated with a higher incidence of epilepsy. Gee, what a surprise!

But, here’s the good news…


What’s one of the most wonderful things your mother did for you?

May 12, 2023
5 Comments

For me it was something very simple. She bought me a notebook.

When I was in fifth grade, I got sent home with a note to my parents, accusing me of plagiarism.


Truth or Lies: Epilepsy in Movies and TV

May 9, 2023
3 Comments

Apart from tuberculosis and syphilis, few diseases have been as steeped in myth as epilepsy.

The generalized tonic-clonic seizure has been associated with phenomena ranging from divine powers and possession by spirits to mental and moral depravity.

This has been chronicled and described extensively in fiction and feature films.

They do nothing but reinforce the stigma that is rampant about the condition.

But not always.


Time Out — Thursday May 4th, through Tuesday May 9th.

May 4, 2023
10 Comments

I’m going to the Land of Sunshine where it’s supposed to rain all weekend.


Posted in Epilepsy
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Food or medications — which would you choose?

May 1, 2023
7 Comments

It’s heartbreaking, but all too common…

A patient calls their doctor after repeated seizures.

He had missed his medication for about a week. He had recently been laid off and lost insurance coverage.

He couldn’t afford to refill his eslicarbazepine acetate (Aptiom) prescription.


Epilepsy — A Dirty Little Secret? 

April 28, 2023
2 Comments

Why would you say: “I have epilepsy.”

To be included — or excluded?

To be accepted — or rejected?

To be understood — or misunderstood?


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    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    I've been a professional copywriter for over 35 years. I also had epilepsy for decades. My mission is advocacy; to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. Together, we can make a huge difference. If not changing the world, at least helping each other, with wisdom, compassion and sharing.

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