Epilepsy is an interesting disease because it isn’t classified as one, but rather a symptom of a current or past problem. It often occurs after a head trauma: brain swelling from an accident, a seizure brought on as a child from a high fever, etc. Events like these would change the actual brain synapses and create seizures of different varieties depending on what part of the brain is affected. Complex seizures are the ones people experience the most. Grand Mal seizures cause full body convulsions and lead to tongue biting and loss of consciousness. A Petit Mal brings on black outs, and broken connection between muscular movement and the mind. These are often suffered by children and can change once their body chemistry changes, for instance when a girl goes through puberty.
Medication is available to stave off seizures. Depakote was prescribed back in the 90s but there were very bad side effects: depressions, weight gain, thoughts of suicide. The newest epilepsy drug, Lamictal, has far better results and is successful in giving patients a chance at a normal life. While a few children may grow out of their epilepsy, for most it’s a life long battle and can limit the quality of life in certain ways. Epilepsy drugs are expensive and insurance companies don’t cover them or the illness, citing it a “pre existing disorder”. Without insurance, Lamictal can cost anywhere from 400-500 dollars a month. Companies with insurance benefits do cover the medicine but if one doesn’t have that luxury, there are programs available to help.
- Check with the local city hospital about medical aid for those with low income. Many give cards to ensure you get doctor visits and medication at a drastically low rate.
- Epilepsy Foundations are in numerous cities in the world. Depending on the financial state of the local government, they may pay for your medication, like the Epilepsy Foundation in Tampa, FL. In this economy, many are there for emotional support and facts on the illness to help patients and the families deal with the day to day routine.
