Epilepsy Talk

Which of these is the cause of your epilepsy?

March 30, 2026
Leave a Comment

In 6 out of 10 cases, epilepsy is idiopathic — meaning the cause is unknown. In other cases, epilepsy can be traced to an abnormality of the structure or function of the brain.

These abnormalities can arise from traumatic brain injuries, strokes and other vascular problems, infections of the nervous system (meningitis or encephalitis), congenital malformations, brain tumors or metabolic abnormalities.

Seizures can literally begin at any time for any number of reasons.

Here are just a few of them.

Which pertain to you?


Food or medications — which would you choose?

March 30, 2026
Leave a Comment

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.


How are your meds affecting you? 

March 30, 2026
Leave a Comment

They’re necessary, but not necessarily nice. And every med has its own side-effects. Just as different people experience different difficulties.

Here‘s the low-down on the possible side-effects of your drugs and the secrets they may hold.

Some might sound painfully familiar…


Poetry is music for the soul… 

March 27, 2026
Leave a Comment

And we souls with epilepsy could use a little music. 

But, since we can’t hear you, we’ll have to settle for the written word.


Who is Your Personal Hero?

March 24, 2026
16 Comments

For me, it was my Grandfather, who believed in me completely and thought that I could accomplish anything I set out to do.


What happens when the people who care for you can no longer do so?

March 20, 2026
Leave a Comment

‘Take Me Home’ follows Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee with a cognitive disability, as she navigates the question every disabled person and their family eventually face:


Anger and Epilepsy: WHY ME? 

March 16, 2026
7 Comments

Suddenly, you’re feeling edgy. Lashing out at loved ones for no reason at all. It’s not anybody’s fault. It’s that old familiar enemy. Epilepsy. Again.

Why me? Why now? It’s not fair.


Seizure provoking conditions…

March 12, 2026
4 Comments

Few of these conditions will cause epilepsy itself…but many can lead to seizures. So consider this a definition of the possibilities…


How were YOU first diagnosed with epilepsy?

March 9, 2026
8 Comments

I almost drowned in the shower.

It had three round shower heads on the wall with one more huge one overhead. And a heavy plate-glass door that was like trying to get out of a vault!

All of a sudden, I felt the blood rush through my toes (that’s what it felt like) and I knew I had to get out. Or drown.


Why would a psychiatrist be embarrassed? 

March 5, 2026
Leave a Comment

“I’m a psychiatrist and even I kept my mental health meds a secret.


Next Page »

    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.

    View Full Profile →

    To receive Epilepsy Talk articles FREE, simply go to the bottom of the right column, enter your email address and click on "Follow"

    Join 3,092 other subscribers
    Follow Epilepsy Talk on WordPress.com