Epilepsy Talk

The mystery of epilepsy and celiac disease 

September 20, 2024
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The relationship between celiac disease and epilepsy has been documented in medical journals for decades. Yet neurologists rarely consider it as an underlying possibility in cases of idiopathic epilepsy.

It never ceases to amaze me what an impact celiac disease can have on one’s life and quality of life, but there is no routine testing for it. Yet, I‘ve been told (and have read) that very few people with epilepsy are told of the possibility of celiac disease!


Conditions commonly misdiagnosed as epilepsy… 

June 16, 2024
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A moment of unresponsiveness — the inability to recall what just happened…convulsions or jerking movements…sudden stiffness of the body.

These are classic symptoms of an epilepsy seizure — triggered by abnormal electrical impulses in the brain.

And while these symptoms may indicate epilepsy, other brain abnormalities or injuries could also lead to seizures.

Having a seizure doesn’t automatically mean you have epilepsy.  And without testing, the diagnosis – or misdiagnosis – can be pretty scary.

There are loads of conditions that have symptoms similar to epilepsy. 

Here are the most common…


Want to live longer? Reboot your brain!

September 18, 2022
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Studies of human gene expression show that if you choose to make certain lifestyle changes, you can influence whether your genes are “on” or “off.”

In fact, your choices can influence an estimated 1,200 of the 1,500 genes that are on and probably can influence the other estimated 21,000 that are off.

In simple terms…


New hope for drug resistant epilepsy

May 26, 2022
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Drug-resistant epilepsy with uncontrolled severe seizures — despite state-of-the-art medical treatment — continues to be a major problem for up to 30% of patients with epilepsy.

Although drug resistance may fluctuate in the course of treatment, for most patients, drug resistance seems to be continuous.

Unfortunately, traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) don’t seem to prevent or reverse drug resistance in most patients.

However, some new add-on AED therapies have shown as much as 50% in seizure reduction.


The Mystery of Epilepsy and Celiac Disease

November 4, 2021
14 Comments

The relationship between celiac disease and epilepsy has been documented in medical journals for decades. Yet neurologists rarely consider it as an underlying possibility in cases of idiopathic epilepsy.

It never ceases to amaze me what an impact celiac disease can have on one’s life and quality of life, but there is no routine testing for it. Yet, I‘ve been told (and have read) that very few people with epilepsy are told of the possibility of celiac disease!


Vagus Nerve Stimulation…Is it for YOU?

September 12, 2021
12 Comments

Having a Vagus Nerve Stimulator implanted can be a tough decision. Is it right for you? Will it work? What are the side effects and consequences?

I did some research and got the low-down on what it is, how it works and some interesting statistics.


Brave New Cures for the Future — Epilepsy and Neuroengineering

February 8, 2021
5 Comments

It’s only recently that Neuroengineering first appeared.

Neuroengineering is a discipline at the frontier between neuroscience and engineering.

It encompasses experimental, computational, theoretical, clinical and applied aspects of research areas at the molecular, cellular and systems levels.

The emergence of this new field focuses on a multi-science combination of engineers, neuroscientists and clinicians using their combined knowledge and talent, working co-operatively to address the complexity of the brain and nervous system.


Children’s Brain Surgery…Preparing YOUR Child…

April 22, 2012
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There is no “welcome” sign to the world of childhood brain surgery. And the resulting combination of fear, shock, and pain is almost too much to bear.

No amount of preparation or knowledge can help to ease or minimize the situation.

But preparing a child for surgery emotionally, is one of the most important things you can do. Surgery, without proper explanations and preparation, can traumatize a child…


    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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