Athlete Austin Lives with Diagnosis

Q: How long have you had epilepsy?
A: Twelve years.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out?
A: I was young so I didn’t understand. I was always given candy at the doctor’s office so I imagine I was distracted with that when I found out.

Q: Can you tell us a little about what it is.
A: It is called Petitmal Epilepsy. People like to call them half seizures because I am not shaking on the ground, but I am having a seizure.

Q: How do you manage with having it?
A: If I have one I just go on with my day like it’s nothing.

Q: How do you struggle with it?
A: Stress and lack of sleep triggers seizures and I don’t always take care of myself the way I should. Eating healthy and stress are my two main problems.

Q: Does epilepsy prevent you from doing some things? If so, what are they?
A: Driving, going on certain rides at amusement parks, playing video games and I’m not suppose to watch a lot of TV.

Q: Is it a life-long disorder?
A: I will not always have Petitmal Epilepsy, more than likely it will develop into another form of epilepsy.

Q: How did you first find out about it?
A: I would stare off while talking and my parents started noticing it was becoming more frequent.

Q&A by: India Wong