My name is Mike and I have had epilepsy since I was eight year’s old, as a result of meningitis. When I was growing up I became known as Fits by my classmates. I have been on several medication trials over the years, with varying results, and I have travelled to Australia twice; once for an MRI and the second time for brain surgery, neither
Read More »Epilepsy and Mood Disorders
It is not uncommon for people with epilepsy to experience depression, anxiety or to sometimes feel suicidal. Some people may even develop personality disorders and psychosis. In fact, it is so common, that the overall rate of people with epilepsy experiencing a mood disorder stands at 25-50% higher than that of the general population. There is a relationship between epilepsy and mood disorders. The reasons
Read More »Kieran has an EEG
Hi! My name is Kieran and I have epilepsy. Today I am at the hospital with my mum because I am going to have an EEG. I am so tired because I went to bed really late. I need to be sleepy for a good EEG recording. Shh! You will have to be quiet when I am having my EEG. I need to be able
Read More »Free Computer Help at Hamilton Libraries
Hamilton library mentors can help customers with CV’s, cover letters, job search, eBook downloading or any other computer related help you need. Glenview Library has computer mentors available on Monday 9.30am to 11.30am and Friday 9.30am to 11.30am. Dinsdale Library has computer mentors available on Tuesday 9.30am to 11.30am and Thursday 9.30am to 11.30am. Garden Place Library has computer mentors available at the following days
Read More »Your Health Passport
A ‘Health Passport’ has been designed by the Health and Disability Commissioner, as a way of you gaining a better health service. You do not have to complete one, it is entirely voluntary. It is a booklet that you can carry when you attend hospital appointments or other providers of health and disability services. It contains information that you want people to know how to
Read More »2014 EWCT Flier
Julia’s Story
Five years ago my life changed overnight. I woke up with a headache and over the course of the day I started to twitch. Over the next six months this escalated from very small twitches to full body jerks, sometimes seconds apart and lasting for days at a time. After many doctor and hospital visits, and a few neurologists down the track I was finally diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic
Read More »Epilepsy and Memory
Dealing with memory issues is challenging for most people at some point in their lives, and for people with epilepsy it is not unusual. Memory loss can occur because of seizure activity within the brain, which disrupts memory processes, and sometimes because of the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) which can cause drowsiness or attention problems. In most cases AEDs control seizures, which helps improve
Read More »Safe cooking strategies for people with epilepsy
by Stephanie Hunter Safety while cooking The kitchen, with its ovens, burners, and sharp knives is a potentially hazardous area. Adjustments in methods of food preparation, cooking, and clean-up will make the kitchen safer for people with seizures. For example, some people with occasional complex partial seizures choose to complete all their food preparation with food processors and choppers instead of knives, or purchase pre-cut
Read More »Kieran’s Poem
Meet Kieran. Kieran has epilepsy and is also a keen soccer player. He has written two poems to share with you all. Thank you Kieran. Epilepsy is not that bad, It will not make you sad, Do not think of this thing as hate, Treat it like it’s your best mate. Epilepsy is quite cool, It will make you not a fool, Do not go
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