Chronic Illness Epilepsy
Andrew McClarren
October 30, 2014
BBH 101, Section 001
Chronic Illness Essay
Epilepsy is a chronic condition affecting nearly 1 in 26 Americans and about 65 million people worldwide. In most cases, the cause is unknown but is often linked to other neurological issues (Citizens United in Research in Epilepsy). Symptoms common with epilepsy include mainly seizures as well as sleepiness, headaches, abnormal heartbeats, labored breathing, uncontrollable muscle movements and other similar indications. Prognoses associated with epilepsy entail normal lifespans given that the condition is well-maintained. Life expectancy for a person with epilepsy may decrease if surgeries or treatments of the condition fail to successfully help with the seizures. There is also a low rate linked to sudden death in people with epilepsy but in many cases, patients with epilepsy who suffer from sudden death also have an abnormal heartbeat condition or other problems (Health Guide). Considering this information, coping with this disorder would be extremely difficult and would greatly affect day-to-day life. It’d be a challenge to go to class or even to go out for the night with friends. It’d be a constant concern whether or not something would happen that would trigger a seizure. In classes or at work I would have to worry about looking at a changing computer screen or even just simply seeing lights flickering. If I wanted to go out with friends to go dancing or to dinner, I’d have to worry about flashing lights, lights dimming and even strobe lights or anything else that may induce symptoms. Sensitivity to the senses are so heighted with epilepsy. Before reading a little further into the condition, I really didn’t understand just how much it truly can alter a person’s life. It would put a strain on friends, family, spouses, co-workers, and just about anyone else I’m close to, just as nearly all illnesses do. The condition would cause me to be stressed and angry or possibly depressed and
October 30, 2014
BBH 101, Section 001
Chronic Illness Essay
Epilepsy is a chronic condition affecting nearly 1 in 26 Americans and about 65 million people worldwide. In most cases, the cause is unknown but is often linked to other neurological issues (Citizens United in Research in Epilepsy). Symptoms common with epilepsy include mainly seizures as well as sleepiness, headaches, abnormal heartbeats, labored breathing, uncontrollable muscle movements and other similar indications. Prognoses associated with epilepsy entail normal lifespans given that the condition is well-maintained. Life expectancy for a person with epilepsy may decrease if surgeries or treatments of the condition fail to successfully help with the seizures. There is also a low rate linked to sudden death in people with epilepsy but in many cases, patients with epilepsy who suffer from sudden death also have an abnormal heartbeat condition or other problems (Health Guide). Considering this information, coping with this disorder would be extremely difficult and would greatly affect day-to-day life. It’d be a challenge to go to class or even to go out for the night with friends. It’d be a constant concern whether or not something would happen that would trigger a seizure. In classes or at work I would have to worry about looking at a changing computer screen or even just simply seeing lights flickering. If I wanted to go out with friends to go dancing or to dinner, I’d have to worry about flashing lights, lights dimming and even strobe lights or anything else that may induce symptoms. Sensitivity to the senses are so heighted with epilepsy. Before reading a little further into the condition, I really didn’t understand just how much it truly can alter a person’s life. It would put a strain on friends, family, spouses, co-workers, and just about anyone else I’m close to, just as nearly all illnesses do. The condition would cause me to be stressed and angry or possibly depressed and