Epilepsy Talk
Dilantin — Hero or Horror?
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Dilantin (Phenytoin) can be considered the grandfather of all epilepsy medications.
Although it was invented in 1908 as a chemical that could prevent convulsions during electroshock treatment, its popularity grew quickly, and as early as 1940, it was hailed as initiating a whole new epoch of anti-epilepsy drugs, motivating researchers to seek even more effective medications and pharmaceutical companies set up aggressive screening programs.
In the next two decades, a dozen new anticonvulsants were introduced into clinical therapy!
Today, Dilantin remains one of the most widely used drugs in the world.
A Fallen Football Hero…
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This is a story about life’s hard knocks. Literally.
It’s the story of former NFL Browns running back Jerome Harrison and how his occasional seizures, thought to be a result of concussions from the game, saved his life.
Epilepsy and Memory…
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To say that lack of memory is a major worry for those of us with epilepsy is hardly a surprise.
In fact, it’s the number one concern.
Simply put, memory is our brain’s ability to store information and find it again later.
Chemical and electrical changes happen in your brain when new memories are made.
It’s a natural brain process that requires continuing attention and recording by parts of your brain.
Tags: confusion, memory loss, number one concern, seizures
The Great Debate — Medical Marijuana
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Even though the cannabis plant has a long history of medicinal use, with evidence dating back to 2,737 BCE, it’s still a subject of hot controversy.
It appears to be a standing battle between politics and science.
The legality requires proof of medical marijuana’s effectiveness.
Reports of success are anecdotal.
Yet there are no funds for clinical trials and it remains on a back burner for further NIH funding and research.
(Wow. What a surprise!)
Dr. Ben Whalley, who is leading the research at the department of pharmacy at the University of Reading, said: “There was a stigma associated with cannabis that came out from the 60’s and 70’s associated with recreational use, so people have tended not to look at it medicinally as a result.”
But now, some experts are calling for fresh research into the potential of cannabis-like compounds to help alleviate seizures.
Because further evidence has emerged that an ingredient of cannabis could help prevent epileptic seizures.
3 Revolutionary Epilepsy Watches!
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They’re, attractive, efficient and a boon to the monitor market.
Meet the Smart Watches…
Tags: activity, alert, Apple SeizAlarm, body balance, EMBRACE WATCH, emergency contacts, event tracking, GPS tracking, immediate help, motion detector, seizures, stress, THE SMART WATCH, wristwatch
Conditions Commonly Misdiagnosed as Epilepsy…
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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…
Tags: auras, brain, disorders, misdiagnosed epilepsy, neurological, seizures
What Most Offends YOU About How People Treat Epilepsy?
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I call epilepsy the “stealth disease,” because most people don’t actually witness a seizure. Which results in an abundance of ignorance…misinformation..and to be frank, discrimination and slurs.
Tags: achievement, advocate, behavior, discrimination, Epilepsy, ignorance, misinformation, oblivious, pariah, seizures, slurs, stigma
Stress and Seizures…
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Let’s be honest, you probably didn’t plan on having epilepsy.
But here we are.
And we all know that stress is #1 in the hit parade of seizure triggers.
Endless surveys prove the fact.
Most people think of stress as being related only to unpleasant or sad times in their lives.
However, even “happy” stress can trigger seizures!
Tags: #1 trigger, anticipation, cortisol hormone, emotions, fight or flight, negative feelings, relaxation, seizures, stress, vicious cycle
Foods That Fight Stress…
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I worked as a writer in the health and wellness field for more than ten years. So I know a thing or two about this stuff. (And stress!)
But I also know from personal experience that epilepsy is a very unique condition.
Between all the different types of seizures, and triggers, and meds…there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The same goes for de-stressing your diet.
What works for one might not work for another. And it certainly doesn’t take the place of meds.
However, I do believe that although living a healthy lifestyle won’t cure you…it can certainly help you.
So, here’s some information for sensible stress-busting eating…
Tags: anxiety, calm, cortisol, de-stress, depression, Folic Acid, foods, nervous system, panic, physical endurance, seizures, serotonin, stabilize, stress, vitamin B6
Syncope or Seizure?
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Studies have now confirmed what some doctors have long suspected — many young people who are given the diagnosis of epilepsy (or seizure disorder) apparently don’t have epilepsy at all.
Instead, they have a condition known as syncope.
Syncope (sing’-koe-pee), the medical term for fainting, is the sudden loss of consciousness and physical collapse due to lack of blood and oxygen to the brain. It can occur with or without warning — as an isolated event — or frequently, over time.
Since syncope can mimic the symptoms of some epileptic seizures — such as muscle twitching, shaking, convulsions and physical collapse — the confusion begins.
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