For others, the disorder can be linked with strokes, head or birth injuries, brain tumors, poisoning such as lead poisoning, infections and heredity. About 85 percent of those with epilepsy can achieve full or partial control of their seizures. Flores emphasizes that epilepsy is a chronic problem that for many people can be successfully treated. The disorder is still serious and people can die, especially from prolonged seizures. Of particular concern to many women is pregnancy and birth.
Oral contraceptives have a higher failure rate in women who take anti-epileptic drugs.
For Loe, getting answers to her questions and being able to learn from others has helped. She has been part of an epilepsy support group for about a year. That's where a support group is so good. Loe says that despite the problems, she is lucky that she can drive and enjoy a good work atmosphere with the full support of her family. TDH's epilepsy program offers services to people with epilepsy who are not eligible under Medicaid or Medicare or who are uninsured or underinsured.