Always Be Honest With Your DoctorIt is hard to face certain things concerning epilepsy. One of epilepsy's biggest challenges? Medication. Every medication has a different effect on every person. What controls seizures for one person... By Alyssa D Amico3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Empowering Law Enforcement With Seizure Safety TrainingEmbarking on a transformative journey with the Epilepsy Foundation of America and the Public Health Institute in Atlanta, my mission was clear: to enhance seizure safety awareness within law enforcement... By Derra Howard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
MRI AnxietyMedication used to be my least favorite part of my seizure care plan. However, over the past couple of years, my perspective shifted, and medical imaging took precedence. But despite... By Gabrielle Foote3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Weaning Off Of Phenobarbital Again – The Right WayA few years ago (in 2018), I tried to get off of phenobarbital with another doctor. However, it was a frightening experience for me and my family. My doctor at... By Derra Howard3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
How Computer Screens Affect My SeizuresIn the nearly 60 years that I've had epilepsy, I've been able to identify a lot of triggers. But besides the usual – i.e., being negligent in taking my medicine... By Tim Ulmer4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Is a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) for Me?After half a century on medications to control my epilepsy, I've had enough "cocktails" to stump a bartender! Haha! Kidding aside, no mixture of medications or juggling the amounts or... By Tim Ulmer5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Ask Questions, Learn More, Express YourselfIt is always good to learn about the conditions you're living with in depth to know about yourself and potenial treatment options. Since I was 6 years old, I've been... By Alyssa D Amico2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Choosing the Best Epilepsy Doctor for YouAre you looking for an epileptologist? Or are you not satisfied with the neurologist you are seeing? What kind of attitude are you looking for in your doctor? A doctor... By Alyssa D Amico3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
From Pink to Purple Ribbons, We Need ActionNovember is designated as Epilepsy Awareness Month. After just finishing up advocacy during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am a bit fatigued. I am a stage III breast cancer survivor and... By Caroline Johnson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
How Can I Support a Friend or Family Member With Epilepsy This November?November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and if you know someone living with epilepsy, this article will give you some practical ways to support a friend or family member living with... By Caroline Johnson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Resilience: A Defining Theme of EpilepsyI am always learning, relearning, applying, and reapplying what I learn. When you're living with epilepsy, this is a must! With November being Epilepsy Awareness Month, I've been reflecting on... By Gabrielle Foote3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Treating Epilepsy: Risks, Side Effects, But Still No CureLiving with epilepsy can be unpredictable and challenging. When I've explained my medical journey to those who ask – when speaking about my medication or viewing my surgery scars –... By Mandi Miller3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
I Had A Seizure And Broke My FootI was rushing down the stairs at my apartment complex and had a seizure. Mind you all, I live on the third floor of my apartment complex. I never thought... By Derra Howard1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Working Through My Fears of SUDEPOne of the many uncertainties of epilepsy that always lingers in the back of my mind is the fear of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This unexpected possibility brings... By Gabrielle Foote2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Achieving My Dreams While Living With EpilepsyA new friend of mine who doesn't have epilepsy but reads my columns replied, "Boy, you've really done a lot of things with epilepsy!" He went further and said that... By Tim Ulmer4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Does Flying Increase the Risk of Seizures?It can be hard to avoid planes. You may need to travel by air for work, family, or vacations. But, if you have epilepsy, there may be other complications. The... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Spreading Epilepsy Awareness in "Non-Epilepsy" SpacesFor this year's Essence Festival of the Culture, I was able to have my first vendor booth for my epilepsy nonprofit, the Saving Grace Epilepsy Foundation. The Essence Festival is... By Derra Howard3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Marijuana to Treat Epilepsy?Do you really want to be put on Charlotte's Web (cannabidiol/CBD), Epidiolex, or medical marijuana and wonder if a doctor with more expertise in epilepsy/seizures might not recommend it? I... By Alyssa D Amico3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
The Importance of Taking Epilepsy MedicationIt is important for me to take my epilepsy medication. If I did not take my medication, I would open the door for me to have a breakthrough seizure. When... By Derra Howard1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
"I'm Having a Seizure and I Need My Rescue Medication."Her eyes told me something wasn't right. The student approached the media center check-out desk in a quiet panic. "Can you call the school nurse?" she asked. My gut instinct... By Stacia Kalinoski3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments