A 24 Hour EEG

This blogs purpose is to educate the public about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a seizure condition that has been a personal part of my life since age 15. Although it has been a roller coaster of emotions and difficulties, this condition has taught me more about myself and my life than I have ever imagined.

I have met extradorinaiy people and organizations who have given me places to feel comfortable with myself and my condition along the way including The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation (who also sponsored me in 2010 to pursue my dreams while I competed for Miss Teen United States- World), and The Matty Fund, an organization based out of Rhode Island. These people have dedicated a significant part of their lives to not only bring attention to epilepsy, but to help those who suffer from this condition through support groups, camps, and events.


Here a few basic facts:

-Epilepsy affects over 3 million Americans of all ages
-Believe it or not, in America, epilepsy is as common as breast cancer and has taken as many lives.
-Almost 500 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed every day in the United States
-Epilepsy affects 50 hundred thousand people world-wide
-1 in 100 people will develop epilepsy, and 1 in 10 will suffer from a seizure at some point in their life
-30% of those diagnosed with epilepsy, are children
-In over 30% of patients, seizures cannot be controlled by medication
-Historically, epilepsy research has been under-funded. Each year NIH spends $30 billion of medical research, but just ½ of 1% is spent on epilepsy.
-The Federal government spends much less on Epilepsy research compared to other diseases, many which affect fewer people.


When I was 15 and diagnosed, I was overwhelmed with fear and anger. Instead of feeling bad for myself and for something I have no control over, I chose to embrace my condition to help other people, people who suffer from epilepsy. By the word "suffer" I speak of the children who do not know what is going on with their bodies and brains, the children who are called weird when they have to take certain precautions at schools and camps, and the people who are not controlled by medication and spend their days unsure of whether they'll make it to bed seizure free.

I have held numerous fundraisers and volunteered at many events to help as much as possible, and recently, I have accomplished the biggest blessing of all, being crowned Miss Greater Holyoke 2012 with the platform of "Shining a Light on Epilepsy." With this title, I will be competing for Miss Massachusetts for the Miss America Organization June 29th and 30th. Although I am incredibly excited to stand on stage and represent a condition that needs representation, I am more excited to continue my fundraising efforts with a crown on my head to prove to anyone suffering from any condition or disorder that following your dreams is still possible, despite any struggles.

Currently, I am in a new learning stage of my epilepsy. A few months ago a new doctor determined I was misdiagnosed and have a different type of epilepsy then originally thought. Therefore, they have increased my medication from 1000 milligrams twice a day to 1500. I am also going through testing again to pint point what exactly is wrong so my doctors can begin controlling it.

Today I am having my 24-hour EEG. This EEG records brain activity for 24 hours on a small tape recorder that is worn around the waist. Electrodes are applied to the scalp as usual, and the patient's head is typically bandaged to protect the electrode connections. The patient is sent home with a diary to record activities and any symptoms during the 24-hour monitoring period.

To end this post, I decided to upload a picture of my test for everyone to see! I will continue updating through my process of my new diagnosis!

Yours always,
Miss Greater Holyoke 2012!