Recent Wreck in Gulfport Gets Public Attention for Epilepsy

While a recent car accident in Gulfport, involving a man with epilepsy, has brought the disorder to the public’s attention, there is a monthly support group for those with epilepsy and their families, which helps members deal with this difficult disorder.

Michelle Grinder has a special connection with the victim of the car accident in Gulfport that occurred over the weekend involving a man with epilepsy. She lives with epilepsy, and because of the danger, has chosen never to get behind the wheel of a car. Grinder says, "It’s very hard, not being able to drive, getting to and from places, to be able to take my child, get her from school every day. I don’t know what’s going to happen."

Epilepsy is a general term for a variety of neurological conditions characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures. For many, the condition can be managed with medication and the help of a local support group. Dr. William Evans, a neurologist, says, "When we think or we make a certain motion, we activate a certain part of the brain and with epilepsy, what happens is it goes awry. It’s like an electrical storm in the brain."

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States, but not every seizure is the same, as the effects of the condition can vary greatly from person to person. Dr. Evans also says, "You’ll hear people talk about petite mal seizures and so those are things we see a lot in kids, they may just be staring spells. We see these generally a lot in kids. They may just blink off and be unresponsive to the other extreme, where people can actually convulse and have generalized shaking of the arms and limbs."

Anyone can develop epilepsy, but the highest occurrences are with the very young or very old, and while it may be an inconvenience, Grinder doesn’t let it slow her down.

Grinder closes, "Well, it’s a challenge, but I’m blessed. I have a wonderful family and the support of the Epilepsy Foundation and I don’t think I could do it without them, and it’s a challenge, but I live a pretty normal life other than the not driving."