As a mum to an epileptic, I have to admit that epilepsy is rather scary and eventually worrying as well especially if the condition cannot be controlled. However, apart from being scared and worried, how much do we know about epileptics? Every individual is different - some better and some worse off. Janet happens to be in the bracket of the latter but with God's grace, I have to say that she is much more fortunate than others.

1. Janet Lee
- Her Life With Epilepsy -
Epilepsy comes in various forms and
affects every individual differently

2. Facts about epilepsy
that is part of Janet’s life

3. Did You Know ………
• Epilepsy affects 65 million people
worldwide?
• The prevalence of epilepsy is greater than
the autism spectrum disorders, cerebral
palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s
combined?
• Epilepsy most often strikes the very young
and the very old?
• Janet had her first seizure when she was 8
months and diagnosed as epileptic at 18
months

4. Did You Know ………
• 30-40% of people with epilepsy are
severely affected and continue to
have seizures despite treatment?
• Janet has tried: Rivotril, Epilim,
Tegretol, Lamotrigine,
Clonazepam, Topamax, Trileptal,
Keppra, Clobazam, acupuncture,
Chinese and western medical
treatment, lingzhi etc etc
• Seizures were less when she was
an infant (approximately 1 attack
every 2-3 months) but increased
drastically when she reached
puberty 2-3 attacks per month to
every 3-5 or 7 days 1 attack

5. Did You Know ………
• 1 in 3 individuals with epilepsy have unacceptable
side effects from the medications used to control
their seizures?
• Janet’s productivity at any 1 time is only 2 hours
and she still needs to take a nap for 2-3 hours in
the afternoon
• Though she longs to prolong her productive
hours and would continue with her task, she is
unable to sustain the quality due to the side
effects from her medication

6. Did You Know ………
• In the developing regions of the
world, three fourths of affected
individuals do not get the
treatment they need?
• Zonegran, for example, was
available in Japan as Exergran in
1989 and marketed in The States
as Zonegran in year 2000 but
only available in Malaysia since
2013

7. Did You Know ………
• Approximately 29% of individuals with
epilepsy have a major depressive
disorder?
• Epilepsy, coupled with learning
difficulties, hindered Janet from:
- being accepted by her peers
- doing many outdoor activities
for fear that she would get an
attack and injure herself
• Janet had to seek psychiatric help when
she was 14 years old as she was suffering
from emotional breakdown

8. Did You Know ………
• On the average, the risk of suicide in patients
with epilepsy is about 13%. The prevalence is
5-10 times more than that in the general
population?
• With God’s blessings plus support and
encouragement from all who came to know
her, she is now looking forward to a brighter
future

9. Janet’s Life Story
http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Viewpoints/Beyond-
Barriers/Profile/Articles/2014/09/11/Beyond-Barriers-A-lotus-in-our-midst/

10. Thank You All For Your Support!!!
and do keep a look out for her next
upload 