A new technology holds the promise of treatment for the nearly one million Americans with epilepsy that dont respond to medications.The FDA has approved a new implant that uses bursts of electricity to stop seizures before they start.
Thats good news for people like Chrissy Goodman. Shes 32, from Concord, and had her first seizure at age 14.
Epilepsy has affected every aspect of her life, from where she can live to relationships to education.
I dropped out of high school, I was having many seizures at school, and just getting picked on for it, and I just decided to get my GED, says Goodman.
Shes held positions, including as a secretary, cashier, and in food service, but seizures at work and on the bus on the way to work derailed employment.
Like roughly 30% of people with epilepsy, medications failed to help Goodman, and surgery to remove the portion of her brain where the seizures originate was ruled out as too risky.
Goodman says its all been tough on Madeline, her 10-year old daughter.
When I was having seizures before I had the surgery, I remember you would cry and go get Aunt Becky or Uncle Bob or Grammy or whoever we were with. I know you were very traumatized, says Goodman.
I just dont remember, says Madeline.
Surgery, And Fewer Seizures
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New Device Provides Pinpoint Treatment For People With Epilepsy