Guide

It all started when I was about ten. I used to get strange feelings in my stomach, which seemed to move up via my throat and into my head, giving me strange sensations. We went to many doctors, most of whom said there was nothing to worry about. It would go away with time.

But then I remember my first seizure as if it had happened just yesterday. It was immediately after my 12th. birthday. I was rushed to a doctor who suggested various tests which only confirmed our deepest fears. I was diagnosed as suffering form epilepsy. My parents were really worried so they took me to different doctors. While the doctors were prescribing medicines, friends of the family and relatives were offering an altogether different set of solutions to my problems. Life was not easy, to say the least. Soon I started believing I was 'different' from the others in my class. It showed on the number of friends I could make & keep. My academic performance started falling. There was nothing I could do about it.

In school, children used to either laugh at me or call me a 'scientist', depending on whether I got a seizure or I blanked out. It was humiliating. I remember quite vividly, one other instance. It was one of the most bizarre experiences. I got a seizure attack at a railway station. I could hear people shouting around me, one was holding my hand tightly, trying to control my convulsions, yet another was sprinkling water on my face. Someone was requesting another to administer to me a freshly smashed onion (not cut or sliced, mind you). Thankfully I got out of my seizure before anyone could administer such 'alternative' therapy. I have also heard people say: "the smell of leather chappals is very good in controlling seizures." Let me tell you, there is no alternative to proper medications under the guidance of a medical professional.

After taking medicines for a long time, my fits were more or less under control excepting the occasional one. One day my doctor asked me "what are things you would do if you were not to be getting these fits ?" I rattled an entire list, to which he said "go ahead, do all of those". He then added "avoid unaccompanied swims and cycling in heavy traffic conditions". These words changed my life. There and then I resolved, I will not let epilepsy come in my way. After all it was not because of any mistake of mine. I was determined to overcome it. I'd excel in everything . No more feeling humiliated or embarrassed.

My performances in academics showed a dramatic improvement. I took part in all the school functions. I have certificates to establish my participation in dramatics and trophies to prove my proficiency in elocution. I cleared my HSC with 82% marks. For the past couple of years I have not had any seizures. I have reconciled to the fact that I am amongst those 70% of epileptics in whom its cause is unknown. My doctor tells me to continue with the medicines. And I have no reason to disobey him.

Last year I graduated with a first class and currently I am studying Marketing Management in one of the foremost Institutions. I do not let my epilepsy hinder my progress. Neither in academics nor in social interactions. I really lead a normal, healthy life.

I am sure you too will find a lot of helpful information on epilepsy on this site. It is better to be armed with information. Believe me, awareness itself helps in improving the quality of life.

(Note: The above is a true story, some personal facts have been altered to avoid identification).

TYPES

CAUSES

MANAGEMENT

Living With Epilepsy
Childhood
Adults
Elderly
Marriage and motherhood
Life-style adjustments

DO AND DON'TS

ANSWERS TO TYPICAL QUESTIONS

This site is for people who wish to know more about epilepsy. It has books and articles which you can download and read at leisure. It has links to other sites on the 'web' in case you need to know still more about epilepsy. What's more, it also provides the facility for people to network with others and share views and experiences.