Valentine's Day

February 14th is coming up. Yup, that's right. It's Valentine's Day.

Now hang on a minute! Before you say that you hate it, let me say that it's not necessarily about JUST showing love for your significant other or your feelings about someone you're interested in. 

Would you be surprised if I told you Valentine's Day was really named after a patron saint who had epilepsy? Believe it or not, it's totally true. 

Valentine is, in fact, the German word for "fallen." At one time, epilepsy was considered "falling sickness" because of the fact that a lot of seizures caused those that had it to fall and lose consciousness. 

There are other stories that the bishop named Valentine von Terni freed the son of an orator from an epileptic seizure as well. 

Anyhow, when you think of all the hearts, cards, candy, and gifts for your significant other, do not think of just how you love your significant other. Love the fact that you are lucky to be healthy. And if you do indeed have epilepsy, love the fact that you're able to get through a day without having a seizure. :)

St. Valentine, pray for us! 

A piece of advice for you all

If you have to have an EEG done, cut your hair really short 2 days prior to having it done. Why? The glue that the technician put on your scalp to stick the electrodes on is incredibly difficult to wash out! When I had to have an EEG done, it took me 3 times to shampoo my hair to get all the glue out. 

Your hair will grow back eventually! 

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Being denied dental treatment because of your epilepsy

I was diagnosed by a dentist today with 2 small cavities on my two front teeth...possibly from an old filling. Unfortunately, however, because of my epilepsy they won't give me treatment. I would have to be 6 months seizure free before they can fix the cavities and clean my teeth. I was really angry, but didn't show it.
Shit man! I'm lucky if I can even pass 2 months without having a seizure! So in the meantime, I'm stuck with small cavities and possibly never being able to get any dental treatment.
I thought ALL people had the right to get dental treatment...even those with chronic disabilities!!!
I wonder if anybody else with epilepsy has ever had this issue. And if they ever have gone 6 months without having a seizure, I'd love to know what their secrets are.

Yup!

4 stages of a seizure

I found a photo on a Facebook called "4 stages of a seizure." Remember: Every person is different, so not every person will experience these. However, they are common.

Stage 1: Prodromal phase
It usually can occur from hours to even days before the seizure occurs. Signs consist of insomnia, unexpected and unusual grouchiness, severe headaches, and depression.

Stage 2: Aura
Typically the start of a seizure. Signs consist of nausea, migraines, sour tastes or smells, and feeling a sense of doom.

Stage 3: Ictus
The seizure itself. They range from grand mal to petit mal.
Common signs include jerking movements, loss of conscious, blank look on the person's face, falling to the floor, stiffening of muscles, convulsions, labored breathing, and/or an inability to respond to those around them.

Stage 4: Post-ictical
The phase that follows a seizure. It ranges from being very brief or lasting for several days. There might be severe tiredness, irritability, vomiting, fevers, migraines, confusion, balance problems, and/or changes in speech and behavior.

An aura is one symptom of a seizure

An aura is a symptom of a seizure beginning to occur. Some common signs that happen before a seizure are the following

• Strange smells or sounds
• A metallic or sour taste in the mouth 
• Blurry vision or temporary blindness 
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling the urge to vomit
• Feeling a sense of doom
• Dizziness/being light-headed
• Headache and nausea
• Numbness/tingling

Acting quickly if you spot these signs and being ready to seek medical help or perform seizure first aid is key! 

One wish...