Angels Of Epilepsy Newsletter
#AOENEWS, articles, blogs, events, & more!
November Is Epilepsy Awareness Month!
Epilepsy is a common serious neurological condition where there is a tendency to have seizures that start in the brain. Epilepsy is usually only diagnosed after a person has had more than one seizure. Not all seizures are due to epilepsy.
Causes of epilepsy vary by age of the person. Some people with no clear cause of epilepsy may have a genetic cause. But what's true for every age is that the cause is unknown for about half of everyone with epilepsy.
- Some people with no known cause of epilepsy may have a genetic form of epilepsy. One or more genes may cause the epilepsy or epilepsy may be caused by the way some genes work in the brain. The relationship between genes and seizures can be very complex and genetic testing is not available yet for many forms of epilepsy.
- About 3 out of 10 people have a change in the structure of their brains that causes the electrical storms of seizures.
- Some young children may be born with a structural change in an area of the brain that gives rise to seizures.
- About 3 out of 10 children with autism spectrum disorder may also have seizures. The exact cause and relationship is still not clear.
- Infections of the brain are also common causes of epilepsy. The initial infections are treated with medication, but the infection can leave scarring on the brain that causes seizures at a later time.
- People of all ages can have head injuries, though severe head injuries happen most often in young adults.
- In middle age, strokes, tumors and injuries are more frequent.
- In people over 65, stroke is the most common cause of new onset seizures. Other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions that affect brain function can also cause seizures.
* Ease the person to the floor.
____________
How to Prevent Bullying of Children with Epilepsy, Other Medical Conditions
Bullying can be a serious problem for any child, but for children with a medical challenge such as epilepsy, the risk is increased. Knowing the facts about bullying is the first step toward preventing victimization of children and teens with epilepsy or other medical conditions, and keeping them safe.
What exactly is bullying, and how does it affect the children involved? Bullying consists of aggressive behaviors that are repeated over time and involve an abuse of power by the perpetrator. It may take the form of verbal or physical abuse, or, especially for girls, cyberbullying through social media. The child who bullies learns how to use power and aggression to control and distress another, and the child who is victimized learns about losing power and becoming trapped in an abusive relationship. The lessons for both parties are clearly destructive. Contrary to what some people may think, bullying is not a normal part of healthy adolescent development and the suffering it causes may start early and last a lifetime.
As all too many parents know, the negative consequences of bullying and peer rejection may be quite serious. Compared to their peers, bullied children more often avoid school, perform poorly in their academic work, abuse drugs or alcohol, and think about suicide. In fact, teenage victims of bullying are five times more likely to be depressed, and far more likely to be suicidal, than their non-bullied peers. Since suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents in the U.S., this is indeed a very serious concern.
Why is the risk for bullying increased for children and teens with epilepsy and other medical conditions? Various factors may be involved, including depression, anxiety, challenges with impulse control or social isolation. If the child is prone to having seizures at school, or has other physical or intellectual disabilities, then the risk for bullying may be even greater. Recognizing that bullying might be taking place and taking action immediately is critical to protecting a child's basic human right to be respected and safe.
* Article from: U.S. News & World Report
____________
I am not ashamed
There are many people who has been diagnosed with epilepsy that are afraid to tell others. Why? I think I know why. It's because of the feeling they have about themselves. There's many that feel they will loose friends, a relationship, maybe even a job. First of all, it's important to advise others about your medical condition because what if it happens while you're around others on the job or maybe out on a date. They need to know so it will not be a shock to them and so they can be prepared on how to assist when a seizure occurs. Second, there are many who choose not to tell others because of their driving privileges. That's not right! There are more car accidents happening due to people having a seizure while driving. There are many car transportation phone apps available to assist with getting people to their destination. I'm very thankful for Uber and Lyft phone apps. I will continue to work hard on passing a law to change driving privileges because I would not want anyone else's life to have the experience as I did. And I know it will help saves lives!
To all of the strong epilepsy survivors, please do not be afraid to tell others about your life journey. Real friends and family will be there for you through it all. And please make sure you notify your doctors of your seizure activity and please abide by the driving laws in your state. Do not be ashamed!
~ Natalie Y. Beavers
Mentor, Survivor, & Advocate
____________
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KABC) --
One teenage runner in Iowa didn't cross the finish line first, but many say he's the true winner.Evan Hansen, a sophomore at City High, was running in his cross country meet when he saw Adam Todd from Cedar Rapids Washington, a competing school, KCRG reported.
Adam, who has epilepsy and autism, was distracted by an ambulance. When he veered off course to check it out, Evan came to his rescue.
Evan held Adam's hand for 1.5 miles, pushing Adam on.
"It was pretty amazing actually. I kind of pushed him in front of me when he finished. I wanted him to be in front of me because he finished it by himself, I'd like to say," Evan said.
As they neared the finish line, other members of Evan's team ran along with them, encouraging Adam the whole way.
Read more & see video here: http://abc7.com/1550401/
* Article from ABC7.com
____________
Epilepsy affects three million people every day. For many of them, it’s something that can be treated, but not cured. Now a new FDA-approved device, called Neuropace, is changing the lives of some people living with epilepsy.
Krystle Thrasher is a young mom with a great outlook, but the past few years haven’t been easy. Four years ago she was diagnosed with epilepsy, having up to 20 seizures a month.
"What would happen when I would have the seizures, I would get really tired and need to lie down,” described Thrasher.
After countless doctors and medications, Thrasher was losing hope. Then, she met Tarek Zakaria, M.D., a neurologist at Memorial Healthcare System in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Neuropace is like a pacemaker, but for your brain.
Read more & see video here: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/epilepsy-and-neuropace
* Article from LasVegasNow.com
____________
Sale for Epilepsy Awareness Month - The Seizure Diary
Angels Of Epilepsy has The Seizure Diary on sale for the month of November! Get 20% off the original price of $13.00 + 3.99 U.S. shipping & handling ($13 for international shipping) Email us at angelsofepilepsy@gmail.com and you will receive an invoice via PayPal...
"The Seizure Diary" is a book that helps those living with epilepsy/seizure disorder, to write down important information (date of episode, type of seizure, descriptions, & questions/concerns for the doctor) This book is good for epilepsy survivors to have for themselves, family, caregivers, and especially for doctors to have in reference to their episodes. Also, this book has a journal to write your thoughts, feelings, or just anything!
____________
aoe thanks Our Sponsor Enchanted Accessories LLC
For the month of November, our sponsor Enchanted Accessories LLC has these beautiful Hope, Believe, Survivor bracelets available for $13.99 with 20% of the proceeds to Angels Of Epilepsy. Request your bracelet via email to info@enchantedaccessoriesatl.com and make sure you mention Angels Of Epilepsy!
Thank you Enchanted Accessories for your support!
Visit them at www.enchantedaccessoriesatl.com
____________
Read more: http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/recipe/garlic-roasted-asparagus-with-parmesan-cheese/#ixzz4Op6G3qSW
____________
AOE events & appearances
____________
Let's spread Epilepsy Awareness
Angels Of Epilepsy
Email: angelsofepilepsy@gmail.com
Website: www.aoepilepsy.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoepilepsy/
Twitter: @AOEpilepsy