Magazines - Epilepsy Today
In the February edition of Epilepsy Today
Shaking off the shadow of war - Epilepsy in the nifty fifties
In the first of a series of special anniversary features, Peter Fox explores the 1950s. With changing attitudes towards epilepsy, a dramatic reshuffle of accommodation and new social security measures in place, were the nifty fifties a milestone for people with epilepsy?
The 1950s brought a period of intense change and countless events that have tayed in the public consciousness. The UK was still recovering from the Second World War and the rationing of both soap and fuel only ended in 1950. This decade saw Walt Disney release his animated film Cinderella and the deaths of both Albert Einstein and James Dean. The first UK singles chart was compiled and Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.
The darkest depths of a doodler’s mind
With National Doodle Day coming up, our resident graphologist analyses the doodles of several Epilepsy Action staff. But just how accurate is he? Peter Fox finds out
National Doodle Day 2010 will go ahead on Friday 5 March – so get your pens and pencils at the ready! Over £185,000 has been raised for Epilepsy Action and the Neurofibromatosis Association since the very first National Doodle Day in 2004. This year we hope to bring the total to over £200,000. After all, National Doodle Day is all about having fun – while raising funds to continue helping people living with either epilepsy or neurofibromatosis.
And much more in the latest issue of Epilepsy Today...
Epilepsy Today is published six times a year. Epilepsy Today is available for just £3.50 from our online shop but the magazine is free to members.
If you're a member of Epilepsy Action, you can download the latest edition of Epilepsy Today, as well as back issues, from memberZONE, our online resource for Epilepsy Action members.
Professional members will also receive Epilepsy Professional and Seizure – the European Journal for Epilepsy
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Comments
I would like to share my story with other epilepsy sufferers.I had a dog given to me as a companion in 1984.His name was Ben.I had him as a gift from my former husband. When we went to pick him up,Ben jumped up at my then husband,but when he saw me he sat back down and looked at me as though to say,Oops,I mustn't jump up at you must I? So he sat back down and gave me his paw instead.Anyway,when we got Ben home he would watch me like a hawk. He soon picked up all of my 'triggers' and knew when I wasn't feeling well. He would even know if I hadn't taken my drugs,he would stare at me then at my drugs & then back at me with a very disapproving stare.Sometimes I would be restless during the night,(he would sleep on the floor,at the foot of the bed) then I would know that happened during the night & that Ben was worried about me. He was a very faithful friend, and as I like to put it,'my canine partner'.I had him in December 1984 aged 2 years 3 months & lost him on 9/9/99.So this is for you boy,you saw my through all my ups & downs R.I.P.darling (10 years on 9/9/99)xxx P.S. And you were un trained,I'm proud of you & never forget you.adult
I have just finished reading your magazine and numerous articles have caught my eye. Firstly your letter about difficulty in getting epilepsy medication when you order your repeat perscription. On numerous occasions in the last 6 months I have gone to the pharmacy to collect my medication and am told I can only have a few tablets as they are having difficulty with the supplier. I am asked to come back "tomorrow" on nemerous occasions and they still don't have it, it is really distressing me as im panicking i'm going to run out and miss a dose.
The article about Briony getting picked on with her epilepsy rang bells with me as mine started when I was 7. I was lucky to have one true friend who has stuck by me since pre school and hasn't been phased by my seizures but the main thing I was picked on was for never drinking alcahol, being told I was weird, uncool and go on it's ok to drink when after seeing the state my sister got it after her nights out and being kept awake by her being violently sick or told off for dancing on tables put me right off and thought I was better off without it! At least I can recall what fun I have on nights out!!!. And as for your article on depression and someone mentioned the effects of anti depressants andf epilepsy. I was given reboxetine the 3rd time I attempted to take my own life and suffered no side effects, but previously I was given seroxat and suffered 9 seizures in a row which was unusual for me.
But I have suffered depression for 5 years now. I have tried numerous AEDs and suffered various side effects ranging from hallucinations, severe depression. I really enjoyed your article and also want to thank your volunteer at the London marathon last year who kindly helped me out after I finshed my run!!! I lost 10 stone to run the marathon and completed it in just over 4 hours, but to think I can go from being on such a high then to slashing my wrists in front of my boss and running out of work to throw myself under a bus just a few months later is scary.
I hope to hear from you soon
Sarah Reid
I would like to comment on your article in the December issue about seizures and depressions.
Isn't it possible that the AEDs have caused these depression and not the other way around?
When my son was on a very high dose of Keppra (plus Tiagabin) he not only developed a personality change but had very bad depression as well as hallucinations other side effects.