I recently started dating a great guy that has told me that he has epilepsy that was diagnosed when he turned 21 years old. He is currently 35 years old and explained to me that he has seizures approximately twice a year.
Since this was a new subject to me, I decided to share the information I found on the subject. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that is due to a sudden change in the brain. There are different kinds of seizures, and symptoms of each type can affect people differently. They typically last for a few seconds to a few minutes. One may remain alert during the seizure or lose consciousness. You may not remember what happened during the seizure or may not even realize you had a seizure.
Epilepsy.com provides some great information on the different stages that occur during an episode of a seizure. You can find that information here http://www.epilepsy.com/101/ep101_symptom.
Does anyone know of someone that has epilepsy and can share some information with me? I have never experienced the seizures and probably would be afraid of it if and when it happened in my presence. Do you have any advise?
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Loca, I have a friend who has had seizures for the past 30 yrs, I have seen many of them. I also have been there before a seizure, he looks off, body becomes ridage and then he will go into the seizure. The anonymous (Apr. 26) gave you good advise. You staying calm is key. Also, we have found that electrolites being low could help to cause, so now he drinks electrolites twice day...taking the med's on time is another thing to do. Do you live in Phx, if so Barrows doctors are the best and care for the patient.
May 3, 2010 - 12:49pmThis Comment
Hi Loca, I'm an epileptic myself. I occasionally have grandmals, and I'm aware that it is scary and freak you right out if you see it happen in front of you.
April 26, 2010 - 10:18pmIf it happens, take a deep breath and try calming yourself down first.
Then, look for some towels or jackets...anything soft, place it under his head and lay him down. Make sure you don't put anything in his mouth! (absolutely not your fingers)
Wait for 3 minutes, and if he doesn't wake up call the ambulance. Waiting limit is around 5 minutes.
There are warning signs like twitching of eyes and mouth, jumps, blank gazes...which something you may notice.
There are also things we notice - like migraines, fuzziness, drawsiness, etc.
I personally do Yoga exercises and it seems to reduce the severity of my seizures.
I don't know much about ketogenic diet, but any balanced diet is ok. Avoid fatty food...I normally use soymilk + flour to cook cream soup (maybe add a bit of coconut milk when I want to indulge myself).
This Comment
Hi Loca, you are awesome in making the effort to educate and learn at the same time about this brain condition. Here is a piece of information I know that may help your boyfriend. There is plenty of research and validated scientific evidence that a ketogenic diet helps prevent seizures on individuals who suffer epilepsy. I am sure you can prepare a diet plan for him based on the information provided in various links that educate patients with this health condition. Here is one from England who may be worth checking: http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/ketogenic.html
Good luck!
February 9, 2009 - 9:45pmThis Comment
Hi, Loca, and thank you for sharing your question. It's great that you're trying to learn as much as you can about epilepsy. I think it would be good for you to learn what to do in case your boyfriend does have a seizure in your presence.
Here's another article on What to do when someone has a seizure.
My brother was once married to an epileptic; she had Grand Mal. She was eventually deported back to her native country because her father couldn't get medical coverage for her here. Meanwhile, my brother had to learn to watch for symptoms.
I once worked with a fellow in a high stress office whose seizure was brought on quite suddenly and scared the dickens out of us. But, the few of us who were close by managed to remain calm and, while a couple of people tended to him, I called 911.
Does your boyfriend wear a medical alert tag?
February 9, 2009 - 6:12pmThis Comment
I've seen a few people have seizures and it can be a little scary. But it really depends on the type of seizure. My brother-in-law's nephew has frequent seizures but they don't really look like much at all. He just stares into space during them.
Have you asked him what his typical seizure is like so you're prepared if he has one while with you?
February 9, 2009 - 5:44pmThis Comment
Hey Loca, It's wonderful you're trying to learn as much as you can about this condition. While I don't personally know anyone who has epilepsy, I was able to find some great information on what to do in case of an epileptic seizure at this Web site. I found this interesting as it breaks down the information into simple partial seizures, complex partial seizures and several more and features illustrations.
How does your new boyfriend manage his epilepsy?
February 9, 2009 - 2:47pmThis Comment