People in the U.S.
This is the ratio of people who will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. It can occur on its own or alongside other brain conditions. Epilepsy is not a rare condition.
People in the U.S.
The number of people in the U.S. who have seizures. Some people can manage epilepsy through tools like medication, eating healthy, sleep, exercise, and creative arts.
People Worldwide
When nerve cells in the brain don't signal properly, a seizure can occur. Tests like EEGs and MRIs can diagnose the condition. Epilepsy is a brain disease without a cure.
Music, Creativity, and Epilepsy
New Braunfels, Texas' Michael Jackson plays a wide variety of instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, lap steel, pedal steel, and bass. He started his musical career in Austin, TX back in the 90s. Jackson played with Leann Atherton, Soul City Shakers, and countless musicians who contributed to the city's tagline, "Live Music Capital of the World."
Eight years ago, after suffering a seizure that lasted nine minutes, Jackson was diagnosed with epilepsy. A doctor told him he was lucky to be alive. He manages the disease through medication, stress management, and a healthy lifestyle. Seizure-free since, Jackson leans into his passion for music. A prolific songwriter, he finds his inspiration from life and introspective exploration. Jackson also teaches guitar to both young and older students. He often finds a song they want to learn and then moves through the lesson by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. Playing, writing, and teaching music all contributes to his balanced approach to life and aides in managing epilepsy.
There is such a stigma attached to epilepsy and seizures in general. When in fact it is like any other condition and if everyone is educated and free to talk about it then it’s not scary.
Celebrities Help Remove Stigma
Living with epilepsy can be challenging, but many talented musicians demonstrate that one’s potential isn’t defined by the disease. Prince revealed in a 2009 PBS interview with Tavis Smiley that he was epileptic stating, “I’ve never spoken about this before, but I was born epileptic. And I used to have seizures when I was young and my mother and father didn’t know what to do or how to handle it, but they did the best they could with what little they had.”
Neil Young, in an interview in Esquire magazine says, “Epilepsy taught me that we’re not in control of ourselves.”
Removing the stigma associated with having the disease is the mission of celebrity-driven awareness campaign called Talk About It. Founded by actor Greg Grunberg, the website features YouTube testimonials from advocates like JJ Abrams, Harrison Ford, and Jennifer Garner, alongside helpful resources and tools.
Learn more about epilepsy here.
Epilepsy & Stress
Managing stress is essential for people with epilepsy.
Famous Musicians
Many artists with epilepsy have inspired the world with their music.
Prince
Prince lived with epilepsy and shared his story through his art.
Jimmy Reed
A blues icon who also lived with epilepsy.
Neil Young
His experience with epilepsy shaped his creative journey.