How many experience physical abuse when having a seizure while hospitalized.
Every time I am admitted to the hospital for a seizure (or I have a seizure while hospitalized) I am physically abused by hospital staff security who has been called by nurses because I am having a seizure and nurses usually can’t control patient. Hospital security is usually not trained to handle patients suffering epilepsy so they twist limbs, make threats, etc thinking that will get the epileptic patient to stop fighting. But they are not trained and don’t understand the patient is in a tonic state where they understand nothing. Afterwards the patient won’t remember any thing either. I was charged with disorderly conduct and assault by a hospital after they admitted me for epilepsy. Then when I had a seizure they filed assault charges against me because a security guards face mask became removed while I was having a seizure. I would hire an attorney but I can’t afford one. I have been assigned an attorney by the court but he wants me to accept a plea deal. I refused because I have not done any thing wrong.
So sorry to hear this... I was once accosted by the NYPD.
I was found by pedestrians sitting on a curb disoriented due to a complex partial. When an ambulance arrived, I became physically resistant to being hospitalized, and they called the police. NYPD asked me questions to which my answers were, of course, nonsensical.
I am a slight guy who would intimidate no one physically. Due to my confusion, I aggressively fought being coerced into an ambulance. The police proceeded to handcuff and then *hogtie* me on the ambulance gurney. My wrists were bleeding from the pressure I put trying to escape. (Still have small scars matching the handcuffs)
After arriving at the hospital, the serviceman learned I had epilepsy and conceded, "we won't press charges this time." I never investigated suing them as it felt like an unfortunate misunderstanding. But I've learned people with disabilities regularly have run-ins with ill-informed police.
thank you for sharing this vulnerable moment with the community. I’m sorry you had been treated like that during an already challenging situation. How have you been doing lately? -Julie (team member)
Hi there,
Firstly, I am so sorry this is happening to you. I have seen stories like this one on the news. Please get in touch with your local epilepsy foundation to help you through this process. They should help you find an attorney who can help you defend yourself. There is no way you should be charged for assault. Also, the foundation can assist with teaching seizure safety in that particular hospital.
I am wishing you the best of luck!
Derra Howard
Epilepsy Team MemberThat is ridiculous.
