Know the Signs of Seizures

I discovered I had epilepsy after experiencing my first tonic-clonic seizure in my 40s. I had just arrived at work, sat down at my desk, and the next thing I knew, I was lying in a hospital bed, looking at the head of our Human Resources department searching for my insurance card.

I missed many of the typical signs of seizures: sudden jerks and spasms, staring into space, indescribable feelings of Deja Vu, and auras. The auras began as butterfly feelings in my gut, and then the nervous sensation would move from my chest up to my face. My face would feel warm and flushed. Then, I would start to have an "out-of-body" sensation. The entire episode lasted around 15-20 seconds, and I had no idea what was happening. My primary care physician thought it was caused by hypertension because of my warm and flushed face. Then, I had my first tonic-clonic seizure. They happened frequently in the first four years. Once, I partially tore my rotator cuff after having a seizure on the sidewalk.

Seizure triggers are not the same for every person. It took a while, but I eventually learned what my seizure triggers are: poor sleep, hyperventilating (I seized during my first EEG at that point), and certain foods. I also worked with my neurologist to find the right combination of medication to keep my seizures in check.

Early on, I told my wife that I would learn to manage my epilepsy and not let it manage me. I have done that, and I hope you can too. Thanks to medication and taking care of my body, I have not had a tonic-clonic seizure in 7 years. I believe it is important to work with your neurologist and track your triggers, so you can learn to manage your condition as well.

I missed the warning signs because I didn't know what they were. I want others to be aware if they see them in others or experience them themselves, and know how to take action.