Tips | Epilepsy Talk

Seizure Free – A Hope or a Promise?

September 25, 2021
16 Comments

Is it a reality…a hope…or a promise?

Have you been there once for a visit?

And then come back, to the land of falling down, shaking, quaking and blackouts.

We all know, the only thing that remains the same is change.

Everything is in a state of flux.

Drugs, science, our bodies, our brains.

From that you can choose hopelessness. Or hope.

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: angry, courage, drugs, Epilepsy, hope, hopelessness, information, perseverence, possibility, promise?, science, seizure-free, seizures, support, surgery, victim, VNS

Brain Surgery — Questions to Prepare Yourself

September 8, 2021
18 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…

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: advance directive, benefits, best doctors, best hospitals, brain surgery, complications, experience, insurance, living will, neurologist/neurosurgeon, options, post operative care, questions, recovery, risks, second opinion, skill

12 Recipes For Happiness — Even If You Have Epilepsy!

August 18, 2021
10 Comments

“No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.” — Barbara de Angelis

We all know that epilepsy is no day at the beach. You may feel depression, anxiety, fear, isolation, anger, or a whole host of other things, too may to mention.

But, if you dig deep into yourself, perhaps there’s a few things you can do to relieve those feelings.

Here are some ideas…

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: dream, EEGs, Epilepsy, equalizing brain waves, gratitude, happiness, laugh, music, positive thinking, read, self-esteem, socialize, soothe tension, talk

New Neuroscience Reveals 3 Rituals That Will Make You Happy…

August 9, 2021
6 Comments

UCLA neuroscience researcher Alex Korb has some insights that can create an upward spiral of happiness in your life.

Here’s what you and I can learn from the people who really have answers:

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: achievement, emotions, goal, gratitude, happy, interconnected, mindfulness, reduce worry and anxiety, rituals

Epilepsy: Meditation vs. Medication

August 3, 2021
2 Comments

You can have medication without meditation. Most of us do.

You can do meditation without medication. Most of us wouldn’t and shouldn’t take that risk.

But together, they can enhance one another.

Posted in Epilepsy, Research, Tips
Tags: benefits, Complementary Alternative Medicine, enhance, Epilepsy, medication, meditation, relaxation, risks, seizures, stress

Your Medical Chart — What’s On It?

August 1, 2021
14 Comments

When asked if they’d like to see their doctor’s notes, patients in two new studies overwhelmingly said yes. But doctors weren’t nearly as enthusiastic.

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Tips
Tags: : avoid mistakes, concerns, full disclosure, legal rights, medical chart

Gaslighting — What to Do When It Happens To You

July 25, 2021
9 Comments

Is your doctor making you feel crazy? Like it’s all in your head? Could you be a hypochondriac?

You must be imagining your symptoms. Or maybe you’re just in a panic.

“Go home and take two Advil. Or maybe two Xanax. You’ll feel fine when this blows over. I assure you.”

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: damaging, false information, gaslighting, hypochondriac, invalidate pain, it's all in your head, malpractice, manipulating, medical abuse, medical malpractice, misdiagnosis, mistreatment, overreacting, risk, victim

The Perils of Discontinuing Your Meds

July 9, 2021
18 Comments

One of the most common questions is “when can I stop taking my meds?”

Especially for those whose seizures have been under good control.

It makes sense. Because if you’re doing well, you start to wonder: “Why do I need these meds anymore”?

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Tips
Tags: minimum between two years and five years, perils discontuing medication, recurrence, reinstated, risk factors, seizure freedom, taper off gradually

Epilepsy and Energy Drinks — Think Before You Drink!

June 7, 2021
20 Comments

It feels good and it tastes good, it’s easy to drink and it gives you that extra jolt of energy. But is it really worth it?

Think the death of 18-year-old Irish athlete, Ross Cooney, who died within hours after playing a basketball game and consuming four cans of “Red Bull”.

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: adolescents, caffeine, children, energy drink, health risk, seizures, sugar

Why Your Pharmacist is Your Best Friend

June 2, 2021
11 Comments

Your pharmacist is the least expensive and most accessible health resource you have. They fill prescriptions and provide expert information about medications — a very important role, considering the prominent use of seizure medications to treat epilepsy.

You can see the pharmacist anytime you want, without an appointment, and all consultations are free. In medicine, that’s extraordinary.

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Tips
Tags: access, benefits, costs, Epilepsy, expert information, free consultations, interactions, knowledge, pharmacists, prescription, risks, seizure medications