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.
There are some people who don’t turn a deaf ear to what everyone else doesn’t want to hear. The phobic fear of epilepsy.
For example, Greg Grunberg is a true “Hero.” Not just as a TV star but also as the spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation of America. He is joined in his support by:
Since the dawn of time, epilepsy has affected millions of people — from beggars to kings. It’s one of the oldest conditions and also one of the most misunderstood, although legions of accomplished people have shared the stigma.
“People with Epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or addictions may be able to learn how to ‘think themselves better’ by altering their brain waves to improve their symptoms.
A new form of treatment called neurotherapy (also known as neurofeedback) is similar to biofeedback but has a unique focus on controlling brain wave activity rather than skin temperature, heart rate, breathing and muscle tension.
Even if you do have epilepsy, it doesn’t necessarily mean you know all the lingo. (I didn’t!) So here are some definitions of medical terms related to epilepsy…
Just when you feel that all is lost, and you’re about to give up on your meds, there is another option. (In fact, there are three!)
They may not beat your epilepsy (although some people say they do!)
But they can help reduce your seizures and the amounts of medication needed.
No question about it. Epilepsy’s been the victim of bad press since ancient Greece.
There, it was sometimes called the “Herculean Disease” because Hercules was thought to have murdered his family in a fit of uncontrollable rage.
Two thousand years later, Michael Crichton wrote in The Terminal Man, “Epileptics are predisposed to violent, aggressive behavior during their attacks.”
Which didn’t exactly help.
You might find my answer trite: But I HATE falling down and walking into glass doors, walls, anything you can think of.
And my special talent is falling UP stairs…
Being “Epilepsy Smart” is important and relevant for all schools.
An “Epilepsy Smart” school is one that understands epilepsy.
It puts in place inclusive practices to support a student with epilepsy achieve their academic potential and develop positive social relationships.
After all, a large proportion of every child’s life consists of the time they spend at school.
So you have epilepsy. And you’re left-handed.
Is it a curse…a blessing…or a challenge?
Well, you’re not exactly alone.