There's much to learn about epilepsy

Thank you for printing the letter from William Filstead on the issue of epilepsy. As a person who has suffered from epilepsy for over 18 years as a result of encephalitis, I can tell you that it has been a long and sometimes very lonely journey. It truly is a very misunderstood illness and one that people openly fear. A book on epilepsy stated that when high school age kids were quizzed on the illness, a certain percentage even thought you could "catch" epilepsy by touching another person.

People are either willing to reach out and help or they just out right want to stay away because of the burdens that come with a person that suffers regular seizures, such as side effects from medication, regular doctor appointments, memory issues and not being able to drive. If you know someone with epilepsy, reach out to them. Ask them if they need a ride to the store or to get dropped off and picked up at a mall and if you work with someone with epilepsy take time to educate yourself. Ask what you should do in case there's a seizure. Sometimes a person just wants to have their hand held or know someone is with them.

Unfortunately, people who suffer from epilepsy commonly have a hard time in the work force in maintaining a job yet often the government does not feel it is serious enough illness to approve people for social security. Where does that leave us?

Bonny Bergman

Palatine