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Show Page 6 The Thunderbird Tuesday February 18, 19 86 Identical twins lead normal lives despite being epileptic BY BRADFORD LEWIS Heather and Jennifer Harvey are sisters who have broken the odds at birth, not once, but twice. First, they were born identical twins; happening only once in every 400 births. Second, they both were born with epilepsy a problem common in only two or three births of every 100. Often, when people hear mention of the word epilepsy, they suddenly cringe or back away from the subject. Or, they back away from a person who has just admitted for the first time that he or she has the disorder even those people who arc best triends of that person and have been around him or her almost constantly, suddenly shy away or are so concerned they start to treat that friend differently. Jennifer has this to say to those people: What I usually say is. ..if they dont know the definition of epilepsy, Ill tell them, and if they start going Oh, my!' I always say But you dont have to worry about it because were on medication. Heather responds: ...in the first order, theyre not so much scared of the definition, its (that) theyre worried that youre going to have an attack. Basically, what I tell them myself, is what to do in a seizure situation. Here are some basic rules to follow when you encounter someone in a seizure situation: l)Above all, remain calm. The seizure may only last for a few minutes, and the person is usually in no danger to himself or others. 2)Do not attempt to restrain the persons movements other than to prevent him from hurting himself. Clear the area around the person and remove 4)Remember that it is usually not necessary to call a physician unless the attack lasts for more than ten minutes. In order to reduce hysteria, misinformation, and prejudice about epilepsy, here are some little known Jennifer and Heather Harvey are identical twins who share the same disorder. any sharp objects. Loosen his clothing if possible, but do not interfere with his movements. 3)Stay with the person until consciousness has returned. Be ready to offer assurances or comfort if the person awakes from the seizure frightened or confused. facts about the disorder: 1- )Epilepsy is not an infectious disease nor is it even a disease. It is a symptom of a disorder in the electrical transmissions of the nuerons in the brain and is not transmittable through contact with a person who has it. 2)- EpiIepsy is not rare: it is a problem (continued on page 11) HP NIGHT V V J shared by more than two million Americans. 3)- Epilepsy can strike out at anyone, at any age. It does not mean that a person is mentally retarded or mentally ill. 4)- Epilepsy takes many forms, and may range from a momentary lapse of consciousness to severe convulsions. is not yet curable, but it is 5)- Epilepsy treatable. 6)The psychological, social, and employment barriers that usually accompany epilepsy are far more handicapping than the seizures themselves. Since Jennifer and Heather are identical twins, the risk that both twins would share the disorder was 80 per cent; if they had been fraternal twins, the risk would have been only seven per cent if neither parent had it or 13 per cent if one parent had epilepsy. If you or someone you know has an epileptic seizure, the chances are good that you or he will suffer another one. With the onset of more seizures, the risks of repeat seizures are increased proportionately. How does the disorder affect the twins? Very little. Both are very active and enjoy many of the same activities that anyone else might. If Im out hiking, the chances of my having a seizure are about equal to your stepping on a loose rock and slipping off the trail or sliding down the cliff, said Jennifer. Jennifer has her own way of trying to j TRIP FOR 2 TO DISNEYLAND WILL BE GIVEN AWAY AT 10:30. TRIP INCLUDES: TICKETS TO DISNEYLAND FOR 2 FOR TWO DAYS. 2 NIGHTS MOTEL LODGING FOOD & TRAVEL EXPENSES. REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR SUITCASE AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE OFF! FRIDAY FEB. 21, 1986 9:00 P.M. SUSC GREAT HALL |