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Mindy Gibbins-Klein

Epilepsy claims up to 42,000 American lives each year. Up to 40 percent of these could be prevented with better care and treatment, a UK audit reveals.

Shocking statistics have come to light through research into epilepsy related deaths. U.S. deaths are estimated at 22,000 to 42,000 per year – mostly due to shortfalls in the care and treatment of people with epilepsy. According to a UK audit conducted in May 2002, the death toll could be reduced by up to 40 percent with proper research and increased awareness. However, very few additional programs have been created since the audit. Up to 115 people will still die unnecessarily today, up to 16,800 preventable deaths this year.    

Half of all epilepsy related deaths are caused by prolonged seizures and accidents resulting from them. The other half, worryingly, are attributed to SUDEP (Sudden Death in Epilepsy). Experts assume these deaths are related to the victim’s condition. Suicides are also far too numerous, with many sufferers unable to cope with the fear and uncertainty of imminent seizures and possibly sudden death. Author Mindy Gibbins-Klein is outraged. Inspired by the tragic loss of two friends, Gibbins-Klein published the novel A Dance in the Desert in 2001. The book explores a life that will forever be altered, and takes a hard look at the ramifications of social ignorance surrounding epilepsy, poignantly highlighting in the process the beauty and value of life, so often taken for granted. A portion of the proceeds from every book sold is donated to epilepsy research.

Along with millions of people in the UK, where Ms. Gibbins-Klein resides, she expected a public outcry and immediate action after the UK audit, which promised a plan within three months of its publication. To date, over one year later, there is still no such plan. “The silent killer must be unmasked and faced head-on, which means research, and research costs money” says Gibbins-Klein. “Epilepsy is not something we like to talk about, but the figures speak for themselves. How many more people need to die unnecessarily before action is taken? Epilepsy needs to be much higher on the agenda to further medical advances and save lives.”

Ms. Gibbins-Klein is training to become an Accredited Volunteer for Epilepsy Action, part of the British Epilepsy Association (www.epilepsy.org.uk" href="http://www.epilepsy.org.uk" target="_blank">www.epilepsy.org.uk) who, together with the U.S.-based Epilepsy Foundation (www.epilepsyfoundation.org" href="http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org" target="_blank">www.epilepsyfoundation.org), is relentless in the quest for increased awareness, funding and action to help people with epilepsy and their families.

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Epilepsy... Home Remedies: Eye Problems and Epilepsy Everybody has experiences with eye problems at least once in their lives. Since this is common, especially in the warm seasons, the use of these simple remedies can be very helpful. Epilepsy may not be as common but it is a serious condition and is chronic. There are plenty of home remedies that are simple to make and easily available. Eye Problems There are a lot of conditions concerning the eye. One of the most common is sore eyes wherein the eyes turn red and itchy. An old traditional remedy for this is applying a poultice made of raw grated apples. Cucumber juice or witch hazel are also common treatments that are still used today at home and in beauty salons. Sore eyes are bathed in these for relief. Applied on the sore eyelids and also used as eyewash is an infusion of plantain. Also eyewash for inflamed eyes is an infusion of comfrey or a decoction of comfrey root. Rose water is also a good eyewash. Eyewash made from dock and from yarrow also soothes sore...