Starting the New Year

 This month we will be hearing about risks of epilepsy – specifically the risk of SUDEP or sudden unexpected death in people with epilepsy. We'll also learn about art and epilepsy – the way people use their creativity to express themselves and changes in creativity that some people may experience.

As you read about these important topics, how can you use this information to get a start on the New Year? Could these articles help motivate us to learn about the risks of epilepsy? Or learn new ways of living with epilepsy and using our talents to move forward in life?

Risks of epilepsy- Here are a few of the risks to think about:

• SUDEP is only one possible risk. It’s obviously an important one that we should all learn more about.
• Seizure emergencies ranging from clusters of seizures to prolonged or repeated seizures with status epilepticus
• Other causes of death in epilepsy
• More commonly encountered risks may include:
  • Injuries and accidents – ranging from cuts, bruises, or falls to broken bones and head injuries
  • Other problems that can develop after a seizure, for example aspiration pneumonia
  • Problems that may be unrelated to time of seizures, for example changes in thinking or cognition, mood, hormones, or sleep
  • Side effects of medications or other treatments

Assessing and managing your risks

• Start the New Year by learning about your risks. What pertains to you and your epilepsy and how can you assess and monitor these risks? Are there things you can do to lessen these risks?
• Learn about the importance of preventing seizures and other problems
• Make or update your Seizure Response Plan

How can art help us live with and cope with epilepsy?

• Some people with certain types of epilepsy may notice that they are unusually creative or that their creativity has changed after they developed epilepsy, either more or less. This may be related to areas of the brain affected by seizures or the problem causing the epilepsy. Or maybe a more complex interplay between brain function, coping style, and individual experiences and preferences.
• Whatever the cause, art can be a unique way that people express themselves and cope with losses, grief, or changes in life.
• Art can also help us gain insight into our feelings, experiences, and the world around us. Maybe it can help us learn new ways of living and coping with epilepsy?
• Some of us are just not talkers. Counseling or ”talk therapy” that relies on talking or interacting with a counselor or group just may not work for us. Maybe art therapy would work?

Where can I learn more about art and epilepsy? Can I get involved in this?

• Read about famous people with epilepsy
• Look at the Showcase of Creativity. This section will be expanded when epilepsy.com is relaunched!
• Learn about the Epilepsy Foundation’s Studio e: The Epilepsy Art Therapy Program
  • Contact your Epilepsy Foundation affiliate and ask about Studio e in your community!
  • If you’re an artist and want to share your work or talk about your art, visit the epilepsy.com communities or ecommunities and www.epilepsyfoundation.org!

As you end 2013 and look forward to the New Year, take stock of your needs, wants and preferences. Use this information to talk about your risks and explore how art or other strategies can help you and your loved ones in 2014!

With warm wishes for the coming year,