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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bellingham, WA

I have been mostly seizure free for the past two years aside from some occasional absence seizures. However, I find that i'm still affected by the same triggers, just not to the extent of inducing a seizure. For example, I still feel the need to close my eyes around shiny things or flashing lights because I get the same out of body feeling I've always had.

Is this normal?

I've had a hard time trying to explain this concept to people when they ask about my epilepsy. Any insight would be great!

March 24, 2017
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

hi my name is michelle and i've had to avoid going to concerts or places where the music is too loud or they have strobe lights my doctor says that the lighting impulse flashes can be very very dangerous towards someone who has grand mal seizures or any kind or seizures hope that helps

March 26, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I experience something similar. Not a lot of hard seizures, but the visual issues are way too interfering for me. I work through them and hold a full-time job. I am a manager. But sometimes they affect me and people standing next to me or feet from me, don't even know that it is happening.

March 28, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Yes, indeed. It's very normal. If there is an ambulance on the road I avert my eyes and I always stay away from flashing lights. If I'm at a performance or movie and this happens I'll do the same. I go to a particular exercise class once/week and the instructor began to set-up strobe lights. I explained why they could be a problem for me and she was very understanding - unplugged them and was no big deal.

March 27, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Sometimes especially weather and lights and fast moving images

March 27, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Anything you can do to make something easy to understand is great - the fact they don't get it, its not hard - they just don't want to! That bugged me about the "I don't drink because of..." - alcohol causes seizures! Thats a given - I can't tell you how many peers used to give me hell in school, saying - "my sister has seizures and she drinks!" - does she have the seizures still - yes! Guess why?!!! DUH!!

March 26, 2017

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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Brampton, ON. Canada