Epilepsy Talk

The Trouble with AEDs… 

February 19, 2023
4 Comments

At the very best, finding the right anti-epilepsy drug is a crap shoot. There’s always the hope that this one will do it.

Or maybe adjunct therapy will work. Or, sigh, the side-effects derail you and you’re on to the next.

Is asking for seizure control too much to ask?


The miracle of the coconut

October 10, 2022
3 Comments

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.”

And there are plenty of reasons to love it: Health, healing, immunity. Liver, kidney and bone health. Energy, weight loss, hair, skin care…and that’s just scratching the surface.

Let’s start with your health:


Calcium – Friend or Foe?

July 1, 2022
14 Comments

After talking to a famous epileptologist, I learned that calcium is really a two-edged sword. Which surprised (and scared) me.

I’ve always read that calcium was imperative if you were taking anti-epilepsy drugs — especially Dilantin. Even if your doc “forgot” to tell you!


Exercise for your mind and body

March 14, 2022
10 Comments

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.


Before you agree to surgery…

September 8, 2021
20 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…


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.


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.


Epilepsy: Meditation vs. Medication

September 18, 2020
25 Comments

Neither is mutually exclusive.

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.


Epilepsy — Top Financial and Medical Assistance Programs

March 19, 2019
5 Comments

With so many people at the end of their resources, we could all use a helping hand.

Below is my attempt to research viable resources for financial and medication aid.


Salba — The Super Food

March 21, 2018
30 Comments

You probably already know a lot about all the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. About how they are crucial to the proper development and function of cell membranes in the brain.

And how, according to researchers at Emory University, one particular fatty acid – DHA — is found to be at critically low levels in patients with uncontrolled epilepsy. Which is why doctors recommend diets rich in Omega-3.

However, there’s a new nutrient that’s BIGGER and better…


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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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