Back To Basics—Definition of Seizure and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder which is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, often with no known cause.  The word unprovoked is important here because someone can have one seizure due to alcohol, sudden head trauma, lack of sleep, or extreme stress.  That individual seizure is not counted as epilepsy. 

Announcement: Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County Monthly Meeting

Tonight, Friday, July 8, 2016, the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County will hold its monthly meeting in Orange, California.  The theme is "New to Epilepsy? Let’s Go Over the Basics!"  There will be a session for parents presented by Dr. Maija-Riikka Steenari of CHOC and one for adults by Dr. Indranil Sen-Gupta of UCI.  The program will start at 7:00 pm, Pacific Time.   

Dravet Syndrome

Dravet Syndrome (http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-epilepsy-syndromes/dravet-syndrome,

http://www.dravetfoundation.org/dravet-syndrome/what-is-dravet-syndrome) is one of the most difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy.  Also known as Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy (SMEI), it is characterized by developmental delays, frequent

Announcement: Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles Open Therapy/Discussion Group

On Sunday, June 12, 2016, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles will hold its monthly Open Therapy/Discussion Group meeting.  An informal social time takes place from 12:00 noon to 12:30 pm Pacific Time.   The discussion group starts at 12:30 and ends at 2:30.  It is open to people with epilepsy, family members, and friends. 

Announcement: Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County Monthly Meeting

Tomorrow, Friday, June 10, 2016, the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County will hold its monthly meeting in Orange, California.  The theme is "Is Your Epilepsy Diagnosis Correct? Seizure Freedom Depends on It!"  There will be a session for parents presented by Dr. Mary Zupanc and one for adults by Dr. David Millett.  The program will start at 7:00 pm, Pacific Time.   

Seizures and Syndromes

Epilepsy is very complicated because it comprises a spectrum of seizures and syndromes. Someone who has two or more unprovoked seizures (e.g., not related to alcohol, drugs, flashing lights) within 24 hours is considered to have epilepsy. There are two broad classifications of seizures:  generalized and partial.  Within these main groups, there are at least 10 types.

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali passed away this past Friday.  He proclaimed himself “the greatest boxer,” and history may prove that to be so.   Whatever your views are about his career as a boxer and his life in general, Ali was an activist in various realms.