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“I am so tired from my medicine, I have to take a 3-hour nap after school everyday. My memory is terrible, and my teachers don't understand. My parents keep telling them, but I think some of my teachers don't believe anything is wrong with me because I look "normal." I had brain surgery in June and I still get headaches and seizures. Sometimes I don't know if I should have had it, but I had to try. Also, I don't have very many friends and I'm not exactly sure why. I know some might be afraid to have me spend the night because I have seizures but I'm not sure. I am very blessed though – it could be much, much worse.”
This comment from Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s 2008 Epilepsy Needs Assessment Survey is just one individual’s experience with epilepsy, but it illustrates both the severity and the breadth of epilepsy’s impact. For many, seizures are just the tip of the iceberg, with a host of other problems affecting quality of life. As the quote above suggests, many people with epilepsy struggle with memory problems, difficulties in school, medication side effects, failed treatments, social isolation, and stigma. Additional challenges include depression, fear of seizures, driving restrictions, employment difficulties, and healthcare costs.
A key purpose of Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is to connect people with epilepsy, family members, professionals, and the public with accurate, up-to-date information on this complex condition. If you’ve come this far, please take the next step, and read through the sections below.
