MARCH IS EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH – PLEASE SUPPORT EPILEPSY!!

Tracey - posted on 03/01/2011 ( 1 mom has responded )

MARCH IS EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH and I am just one individual, out of many living with epilepsy. My stepfather had epilepsy, my brother has epilepsy, and we have other family members dealing with seizures too. As well, there are many individuals, families, and organizations who share the same passion as my family; and know the importance of continuing to improve epilepsy awareness in their local communities. You can too, just by reading this…



ANYONE AT ANY AGE CAN DEVELOP EPILEPSY

APPROXIMATELY 1 IN 10 PEOPLE WILL HAVE A SINGLE SEIZURE IN THEIR LIFETIME

AND

APPROXIMATELY 60 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE (1 IN 100) ARE LIVING WITH EPILEPSY ____________________________________________________________________________



APPROXIMATELY 36 MILLION PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY (60%), WILL LEAD SEIZURE FREE LIVES…



Some individuals with epilepsy do very well throughout their entire lives. Their seizures can be managed taking fewer medications and they suffer minimal to no side effects. These individuals are not burdened by their epilepsy and can easily lead more average, normal, healthy, productive, and successful lives. Quite often, you will never know that these individuals have epilepsy because their epilepsy will never show its face unexpectedly in public. Therefore many of these individuals have no need to tell others about their condition. And of course, we’re very happy for this group. But unfortunately, it’s not that easy for everyone with epilepsy; many individuals with seizure disorders have a more difficult time.

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APPROXIMATELY 12 MILLION PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY (20%), WILL HAVE BREAKTHROUGH SEIZURES…



Many people with epilepsy have breakthrough seizures; times when for no apparent reason the body starts to “act up” again. Seizure control is never completely gained and can vary drastically from once a month breakthroughs to several years, depending on individual circumstances. Often unpredictable breakthroughs cause many individuals to change their routines in hope of gaining better seizure control. A change in routine can mean several things; a higher dose of medication, adding on another medication, or changing to a different one altogether to see if this is the answer to getting back on track. These changes often come with a huge price tag. Individuals can often have more seizures or they can be very sporadic (having no pattern), and can sometimes introduce new types of seizures into the picture. And depending on how long or how often this goes on it can sometimes be difficult to hold down jobs, maintain relationships, drive, or be comfortable in social situations. Depending on the type of epilepsy and individual circumstances, some of these individuals can sometimes be at higher risk of epilepsy related fatalities.

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APPROXIMATELY 12 MILLION PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY (20%), WILL REMAIN UNCONTROLLED…



These types of epilepsies are referred to as being intractable; unresponsive to treatment. With difficult to control epilepsies, there is often much more struggle to gain quality of life. Many changes and combinations of medications are usually tried with little to no avail and there are often numerous side effects caused by uncontrolled seizures and use of higher amounts of medications. Many of these individuals are also at a higher risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, known as SUDEP. And because of the day to day demands within the families dealing with uncontrolled seizures, it is important they be able to receive strong family and friend support. ___________________________________________________________________________



If you have difficulty understanding epilepsy or think it can’t be serious; think again. Many families have lost their loved ones due to various circumstances relating to epilepsy; sudep, suicide, drowning, etc. These families recognize the power of this condition and would like individuals, everywhere, to recognize Epilepsy as a serious medical condition so we can save lives. Please support the individuals and the families living and dealing with epilepsy.



** REMEMBER TO WEAR PURPLE ON MARCH 26TH - PURPLE DAY



IN MEMORY OF MY STEPFATHER

DANIEL MURRAY BAKER

JAN 1936 – MARCH 1978





Sincerely,

Tracey Alderson & Family

Epilepsy Awareness 2009

~ Epilepsy ~ Awareness For All

Thanks For Your Support!!



**All contents from articles posted at Epilepsy Awareness 2009 are intended for informational purposes only.

** statistics for this article are based on current world population

**Epilepsy Awareness 2009 always tries to provide the best information possible, however we do not take responsibility due to misprints, errors, misunderstandings, misinterpretations of the opinions expressed personally herein, or for any information provided by other websites.

**Diagnosis, treatment, and care for any serious medical condition should always be analyzed and monitored by a qualified physician/specialist who has examined and/or knows the patient’s history.