Epilepsy Foundation aims to raise awarenessDate: 12/2/2016 SPRINGFIELD – “The holidays are so much harder for me to manage my seizures,” according the Western Massachusetts resident Jean Gilman, who has had epilepsy since she was 15.
Gilman, now 46, added, “There are more functions to attend and host, there’s extra shopping, changes in diet and some events have strobe lights which can trigger seizures in some.”
Gilman is one of 67,000 people living in Massachusetts who live with epilepsy. While managing seizures during the holidays can be difficult, Jean, a mother, wife and paraprofessional at a local middle school admits that everyday life has its challenges as well.“I have had people look at me with fear, but I feel it’s due to them not knowing what to do if they witness a seizure,” said Jean.
November was National Epilepsy Awareness Month and the Epilepsy Foundation New England hopes to shed light on how to make the holidays and every day safer for all of those in our communities living with epilepsy.
Dr. William House, Medical Director Adult Epilepsy Program Baystate Medical Center Neurosciences, recommends that people during the holidays, “Enjoy all the pleasures and the excitement of the holidays, but make sure to get good sleep, limit potential seizure triggers such as alcohol, and take medicines as prescribed. If you're traveling, don't forget to bring your medicines.”
Gilman adds, “If your seizures are triggered by strobe lights, be sure to check with the event or party host before attending.”
For those who might witness a seizure for the first time, your response is not difficult, but can make a huge difference in the outcome. Remember to remain calm, track time, be supportive, make sure the person is safe from falling, injury and drowning. Always call 911 if the person is injured, you suspect this is their first seizure, or if the seizure continues past 5 minutes or is followed immediately by another seizure. For more tools on seizure management and first aid, visit www.epilepsynewengland.org.
On Dec. 4, the Epilepsy Foundation New England will host a family bowling outing for kids with epilepsy and their families at Shaker Bowl in East Longmeadow, 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per youth 18 and under; $7 per adult or $20 per family. Email Wendy Upson at wupson@epilepsynewengland.org for tickets to the hockey game, to register for the bowling or for more information.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy is a disease characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and by the neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition. An epileptic seizure is a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain.
Epilepsy Foundation New England brings communities together to raise awareness about epilepsy, help people with epilepsy, and support research. In the U.S., 1 in 26 people develop epilepsy in their lifetime. There are 3 million people in the US with epilepsy (more than the number of individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease combined). The Foundation’s mission is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. If you or someone you know is living with epilepsy and would like more information about programs and services in your area, please contact Epilepsy Foundation New England at 617-506-6041 or www.epilepsynewengland.org.
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