Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, but every individual’s experience living with this condition is unique. In honour of International Epilepsy Day, Eduardo Fernandez, a resilient man from Spain, shares his personal journey with epilepsy—a story of perseverance and lessons learned.
Approximately 65 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy. Every year, on the second Monday of February, people come together to raise awareness and support individuals with epilepsy, their families, and caregivers. This International Epilepsy Day, to help spread the message, we spoke with Eduardo about his experiences with epilepsy.
A Diagnosis with Epilepsy at Age 12
Eduardo was just 12 years old in 1972 when he was first diagnosed with epilepsy. He recalls that his first seizure occurred at home while he was asleep. “I do not remember anything about what happened that night,” Eduardo says. His parents shielded him from the details, choosing not to discuss it further—a reflection of the cultural attitude in Spain at the time, where such topics were often swept under the rug.
Despite the lack of dialogue, the medical diagnosis came quickly. “The doctors were clear and concise,” Eduardo shares. “There was no doubt or confusion – I had epilepsy.”
Coping with Silent Epilepsy Symptoms
Unlike many others with epilepsy, Eduardo does not experience warning signs or auras before his seizures, as they occur exclusively at night. The aftermath, however, is draining. “I wake up feeling extremely tired, sometimes needing three days to recover. Depending on how severe the seizure was, I would wake up either at home or in the hospital, surrounded by family members and medical staff.” he explains.
His current treatment involves taking “a couple of daily pills” —far less than the three to eight pills he took in his younger years. Eduardo also undergoes annual check-ups, including CT scans and EEGs. Though his seizures are now rare (he has not had one in nearly nine years), he knows the condition is unpredictable. “This illness is like a bear in hibernation. You know it is there, but you do not know when it will come out.”
Epilepsy in the Military
Eduardo’s condition also brought him an unusual experience during his mandatory military service in the late 1970s. Despite disclosing his epilepsy, he completed most of his year-long service without issue—until one night, after a few drinks, he suffered a seizure while sleeping.
“In the military, it was typical for about 50 people to sleep in bunk beds in the same barracks. When I woke up the next morning, I was in the military hospital. Some of my comrades told me how they all carried me out like a military maneuver, running to the infirmary so the doctors could attend to me.”
The next morning, Eduardo woke up in the military hospital and was offered an early discharge. However, he chose to stay. “For me, the military was an amazing experience,” he says. “I did not want to miss out.” His role was simple—serving drinks in the dining hall—and he relished the camaraderie and freedom to explore northern Spain on weekends. His superiors were surprised by his decision but admired his determination.
A Life-Changing Seizure
One of Eduardo’s most severe seizures occurred when he was 25 years old, just months after he began managing his own restaurant. After days of intense work, he suffered a seizure so critical that his family feared the worst.
“The doctors didn’t think I would survive,” he recalls. “And even if I did, they warned I could be left in a vegetative state.” Against all odds, Eduardo fully recovered, a testament to his resilience and the support of his loved ones.
He vividly remembers the heroic efforts of his wife, family, and even neighbors during that fateful night. “I was told that because of my wife’s screams in the middle of the night, four neighbors who were quite strong and muscular—people who worked in the fields—came to the house, but they could barely hold me down. The ambulance took an hour to arrive because the bar I run is in a village by a reservoir, far from any hospital. My brother-in-law was with me in the ambulance, performing CPR because I was in a very critical state of asphyxiation.” Eduardo recounts. It was a stark reminder of the healthcare challenges in rural Spain during the 1980s.
Advice for People Living with Epilepsy
For those newly diagnosed with epilepsy, Eduardo offers practical advice:
- Control alcohol consumption and avoid excessive drinking.
- Stay away from noisy, crowded places, such as nightclubs, especially those with flashing lights or strobe effects.
- Limit screen time such as watching television and/or mobile devices.
Eduardo’s journey is a testament to the fact that epilepsy, while challenging, does not have to define your life. With proper self-care and the support of loved ones, it is possible to live a fulfilling life. His story is one of courage and the strength to persevere, inspiring anyone facing challenges of living with epilepsy to push forward both with determination and optimism.
Ongoing market research is focused on better understanding the causes of epilepsy, developing new treatments, and improving diagnostic methods to enhance patient outcomes. If you or someone you love has experience living with epilepsy, sign up to our patient panel to share your insights in our paid survey opportunities.
If you want to share your personal story with us and help research forward by participating in paid market research, make sure to register for the M3 Global Research
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