Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It can be treated with medication and surgery in some extreme cases but total cure is not always possible. It is a rather serious problem with grave consequences on one’s health, spirits, social life and it can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Women with epilepsy are prone to much more adverse problems like depression, reproductive failure or other difficulties during reproduction with greater chances of sexual dysfunction, seizures caused during menstrual cycles and infertility and gradual wasting of bones due to prolonged usage of antiepileptic medicines.

Life is extremely hard for women living with epilepsy, either suffering from it directly or watching a family member or a favorite friend getting afflicted by it. Women with epilepsy have to cope with social discriminations and several abuses along with the physiological problems; they are vulnerable towards the society’s reactions towards them.

But hope is not entirely lost for these people. Apart from proper medication, they also receive help from epilepsy advocates. The latter are a group of people who have suffered from epilepsy themselves or have taken care of people suffering from this problem. All across the world, women with epilepsy or needing to take care of an epileptic patient, can interact with these advocates and derive some inspiration and courage to deal with their problems, apart from receiving useful tips that will help them face the new challenges. Epilepsy advocates share their inspiring stories of true courage and determination with other victims of epilepsy so that the others can feel stronger and work towards achieving the aim of a complete freedom from seizures with zero to minimum side effects.

There are mothers taking care of their epileptic children, helping them to lead normal lives and pursue all activities; there are epileptic patients who have undergone extensive treatment and are still leading happy lives and achieving their dreams. Physicians also share their views on epilepsy, its causes, treatments, guide patients about the use of antiepileptic drugs and their side effects and also answer people’s questions like when to consult a doctor, how to bring up an epileptic child and a family despite suffering from epilepsy. As the number of women with epilepsy rises, more and more programs are being organized by non-profit organizations to have epilepsy advocates like patients, caregivers etc sharing their experiences with other people.

Epilepsy can cause much discomfort to a person and disrupt normal social lives, but with proper guidance and support, one can gradually overcome these problems and lead a much happier life.