A strong relationship between migraines and epilepsy has long been suspected.
But now it is fact, according to extensive research cited by Steven Karceski, MD in Practical Neurology Magazine.
When I was first diagnosed with epilepsy back in 1969, the availability of AEDs was limited.
Phenobarbital or Dilantin.
Pick your poison.
I chose Dilantin. It was not a pretty picture.
I was a walking zombie, constantly keeling over, and the final insult was when I went into a coma because of toxic blood levels. (No brain, no pain?)
But many have their own serious tales to tell. Here are some of their experiences. And some advice…
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…
50 years ago, it was pretty easy to find out the cause of a loved one’s death.
Not so anymore.
An investigation published by ProPublica shows that hospital autopsies have become a rarity…
A wise woman once told me:
“When you wake up in the morning — before you get out of bed — think of 5 (or 10!) things that you’re really grateful for.”
(I think 10 is a bit of a stretch.)
That simple advice, changed my attitude. And my life.
For me, quite simply, it was my grandfather.
After all, I was a pariah. A leper. (No one would say the “E” word.)
I’d never achieve anything. My life was over.
Even though it had just begun.
Both men and women have long reported that cannabis alters their sexual experience.
When I was in fifth grade, I got sent home with a note to my parents, accusing me of plagiarism.
My parents called me into their room that evening (which was always a bad sign when you were signaled out from your sibs), and they asked me about the poem and where I found it.
I told them I found it in my heart and recited it.
One study stated that 80% of the patients with epilepsy were also diagnosed as having a depressive disorder.
Upwards of 60% of these individuals had a history of significant episodes of depression.
And 10-32% experience symptoms of anxiety.
Many people with epilepsy, especially those with uncontrolled seizures, live a sedentary life and have low physical fitness.
Because they’ve been told that exercise can trigger seizures.
Not necessarily so. At least for a large population of those with epilepsy.