A Family’s Epilepsy Journey: From Diagnosis to Surgery

An epilepsy diagnosis doesn’t just impact the person who is diagnosed, it affects everyone close to them. In particular, the family often plays a significant role providing emotional and physical support, advice, and sometimes even information and recommendations on care and treatment. Many people with epilepsy will tell you that their support team is vital to achieving their best life while also maintaining their health and safety.

This week on Seizing Life we speak with Daniel Allbeck and his parents Paula and David Allbeck about their family’s journey with epilepsy. From the time of Daniel’s first seizure and subsequent diagnosis at the age of 22, Paula began researching and learning as much as she could about epilepsy. As Daniel’s seizures became more frequent, resulting in the loss of his job and much of his independence, his parents continued to research epilepsy and advocate with doctors for effective treatments. Paula’s discovery of CURE Epilepsy and Lauren Axelrod’s story led to speaking to an epileptologist about Keppra, which provided Daniel with his first significant relief from seizures. Eventually, Paula and David’s quest for epilepsy information led them to volunteer at a CURE Epilepsy Day of Science* event where they received valuable information on surgery options. This ultimately led Daniel to undergo brain surgery, a choice that has led to a dramatic decrease in his seizures and significantly improved his quality of life.

*Since renamed CURE Epilepsy CARES

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