If you're wondering why I decided to cover epilepsy, I have a couple of reasons. For one, I didn't know too much about it before I did some reading recently. The main reason, though, is that one of my uncles and my girlfriend have it. They each have very different types of seizures. My uncle has convulsions, during which he collapses and shakes violently on the floor. He actually broke his shoulder recently due to a seizure he had at work. My girlfriend, on the other hand, has the types of seizures in which she just spaces out for a while. On a really bad day, she might pass out. Luckily, that hasn't happened in quite some time.
In case you're wondering what kinds of things can trigger seizures (and I know you are) here's a list:
- Stress
- Excessive drinking
- Lack of sleep
- Forgetting medication
- Skipping meals
- Flashing lights
From what I've heard, if someone is having a seizure, there's not a whole lot you can do. If it's really bad, definitely call for an ambulance, but otherwise, the general consensus seems to be that you should just wait it out. I remember, not too long ago, people used to suggest some stupid things like putting something like a spoon in the person's mouth to prevent them from biting off/swallowing their own tongue. Needless to say, you should not do that. Besides, I'm pretty sure you can't swallow your own tongue. Trust me; I've tried. At any rate, that's about all I have for today.
If you'd like to learn more about epilepsy, Epilepsy Action is a great place to start.
Stay classy, San Diego.
I used to work with someone who had epilepsy and he has had many seizures at work, once he broke his jaw. It is a very serious condition that he has been advised not to drive if he has not taken his meds, been drinking the night before, if he has not slept the full eight hours and if he is under any stress. What some people may not understand is that someone who epileptic can seize while driving. I only say this because the individual I mentioned earlier has not wanted to let others know of his condition. He feels they don't really understand how his life has to be very different and stress free and he comes off seeming like he doesn't care. But on another note, flashing lights, video games and 3D movies can induce seizures. I wonder if prolonged use can become a risk factor? The book mentions that it is not always genetic and can be brought on by trauma.
ReplyDeleteYour post was really interesting the facts on what can trigger epilepsy are informative. I didn't know that, so that's good to know. So needless to say i didn't know the whole putting a spoon or something in your mouth myth doesn't work, i used to think that it would but i guess like you say it, it doesn't. I've never been around someone who has had a seizure or problems with epilepsy, but i think that it will be hard to see and go through. Its scary if they were to seize when they are doing something like how jeanette says, while driving or while doing something that can lead to the person getting harmed.
ReplyDeleteLike I mentioned on Lisa's blog, seizures seem scary. My husband is an elementary coach and he has a little boy that have seizures quite often. He says he knows when he is having one because he just stops for a couple of seconds and then continues what he is doing, he says that he has several while he is in p.e. I think that is so scary and so sad for the little boy because he does not get to enjoy his life, and probably won't get frustrated by it until he is an adult.
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