41-year-old Johanna Heiligenbrunner from Pregarten has suffered since childhood from epilepsy, a neurological disease that affects one percent of the population. “And yet it’s relatively unknown. People with epilepsy are still discriminated against and thought to be mentally handicapped – which is definitely wrong.”
The disease has influenced her life from the beginning, sometimes even dominating it. In elementary school, she was mocked and underestimated by the teachers because – due to the side effects of the medication at the time – she often could not concentrate properly. She was also banned from school sports, although exercise would have done her good. Two neurosurgical operations at the age of 17 and 20 were successful. “I was almost seizure-free for a few years after that.” After a skiing accident, the symptoms came back – albeit in a mild form. However, new drugs make their life and the seizures much easier than they used to be. “People with epilepsy and their relatives usually suffer much more from social exclusion than from the disease itself,” says Johanna Heiligenbrunner.
Victims are discriminated against
Since 2014 she has headed the epilepsy self-help group in Upper Austria. “The aim is to exchange ideas with others. We want to explain that epilepsy is a ‘normal’ disease with mild and severe courses – and that can be easily treated with modern medication. Nevertheless, those affected are still discriminated against on the job market “, says the 41-year-old. Three months ago she gave birth to a healthy little boy – her greatest happiness. For many years she had not thought that this wish could ever come true. With the right medical care, the pregnancy and birth went smoothly. With her partner and a large circle of friends at her side, she is looking forward to a completely normal life with little Jonathan. “When he is older, I would like to get involved again in the field of care for the disabled and integration.”
March 26th is “Purple Day”. On this date, information about this disease should be provided. For this reason, the Ars Electronica Center will shine in purple. Information at www.self-help-ooe.at
The disease
Epilepsy is a temporary disorder of the brain with a wide range of manifestations. During a so-called epileptic seizure, nerve cells give off too many signals at once.
Among other things, this can lead to disturbances in consciousness, movements or perceptions.
The first epileptic seizure can occur at any age. With modern medication or neurosurgical interventions, 70 percent of those affected can actually become seizure-free in the long term with optimal therapy.
Source: Nachrichten
