Epilepsy Stories

Claire, Scotland

Clare, now 20, was diagnosed with epilepsy aged 6. She had had an “unusual feeling”and had alerted her sister, Megan, who was able to see changes in Clare’s face. The doctors were unsure what was wrong until she had a seizure during an appointment, and a diagnosis of epilepsy followed. Clare has since been diagnosed

January 26th, 2016|

Anita Agah, Iran

This is the true story of a young girl who lives in Iran, called Anita, who, at the young age of 11 years decided that her English research project, which she would have to present to her classmates, would be to explain all about epilepsy. The catalyst for Anita's project is her mother, Farah Abbasi.

January 26th, 2016|

Mario Dimech, Malta

My name is Mario, I am 63- years-old, married with two children. I was 12 when I had my first seizure while I was sleeping. After the second seizure I was taken to a psychiatrist since, at that time, there were no neurologists in Malta and people with epilepsy were referred to a psychiatrist. I was diagnosed with complex

January 26th, 2016|

Kenneth Oakes, USA

Opening my eyes I looked down to see my sweater saturated in blood and vomit. I tried to stand up realizing I was in the back of the studio where I worked at nights by myself. Extremely lightheaded, as I stood I gazed into the mirror to see a large gash in my forehead, my

January 26th, 2016|

Michael

Michael (29) lives in Glasgow, Scotland. Michael was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 16 after having his first seizure on an aircraft shorty before its departure. At that time, Michael’s seizures involved a period of altered awareness, which resulted in a short period unawareness of his behaviour. At the point of diagnosis, Michael

January 20th, 2016|

Gillian Stewart, Scotland

Gillian, (31) lives in Glasgow, Scotland. She was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy aged 14 months. Gillian used to have tonic clonic seizures however these changed over time and her seizures no longer involve a full loss of consciousness. Instead, her awareness is altered; she remains conscious but is unaware of her behaviour. This means

January 20th, 2016|

Francesca Sofia, Italy

How did I happen to become an epilepsy advocate? It was an irony of fate. With a PhD in cellular and molecular biology, I began my career as a neuroscientist, tackling the potential implications of a certain gene in human epilepsy. Then I obtained a Master’s degree in economics and decided that science management could be a good

January 20th, 2016|

McKinzi Lathern, USA

At 3 weeks of age McKinzi was diagnosed with Encephalitis HSV1-COLD Sores (someone kissed her), epilepsy, severe brain damage, and more to come. Due to the infection she has severe brain damage. She was admitted to hospital in Forth Worth in March where she spent 21 days. She underwent numerous tests, MRI's, EEG's and was

January 20th, 2016|

Maria-Foteini, Cyprus

This is a story of a very special 14-year-old girl from Cyprus, who loves to play and gives hugs to anyone she meets. Her name is Maria-Foteini. She lives in Nicosia with her father Konstantinos Kallimachos, a writer and teacher, and her mother Antigoni Kokkinou Kallimachou, a deputy head school teacher. At four months Maria-Foteini

January 20th, 2016|

Layla, Scotland

Epilepsy is part of our routine, just like brushing our teeth or getting ready for school, explains Layla’s Mum, Patricia. It does not determine or dictate our days. Luckily for Layla, she has an epilepsy syndrome that she seems to be growing out of. Nothing stops her; she is smart, funny and fierce. Layla has Panayotopolous Syndrome, or at

January 20th, 2016|