The Changing Faces Of Epilepsy: Young Woman Gains Control Of Her Life cessful” epilepsy treatment. To learn more about the program and epilepsy, visit the website www.ChangingFacesOfEpilepsy.com. Martha is one of the patients profiled on the Website. Her story has a happy ending—after trying (NAPSA)—For most of herlife, Martha Goodwin’s idea of a good day was one in which she had only 20 seizures. Growing up with epilepsy, Martha was unable to do many “normal” activities most people take for granted, such as using a restroom or shopping, without help from her family. Martha often fell at school and visited the school nurse daily. Martha’s story is similar to that of many people living with epilepsy, a condition affecting 2.5 million Americans which causes repeated seizures. However, a recent survey of 367 adults with epilepsy on medication, sponsored by Eisai Inc., maker of Zonegran (zonisamide) capsules, shows there are several challenges people with epilepsy face beyond seizures, such as forgetting to take an epilepsy medication and experiencing side effects. For example, 46 percent of those polled said they experience side effects from their medication. Like Martha, more than half of those who experience side effects said they are limited from participating in routine activities such as driving, working and exercising. “The challenges faced by people with epilepsy include maintaining a ‘normal’ lifestyle, one in which they can perform activities most people consider routine,” said Dr. Kevan VanLandingham, from Duke University Medical Center. “Physicians, in partnership with their patients, can find the right treatment that helps address indi- several medications, and even Martha’s story of living with epilepsy is available at www. ChangingFacesOfEpilepsy.com. vidual patients’ needs, such as reducing seizures while managing side effects.” The survey was part of The Changing Faces of Epilepsy program, an educational and support program also sponsored by Eisai. The Changing Faces of Epilepsy examines lifestyle issues and encourages people with epilepsy to seek treatment that may help them live their life with epilepsy. The Changing Faces of Epilepsy Web site serves as an educational resource for people with epilepsy andtheir families. Visitors will find inspirational patient stories; results from the national survey; and a “Whole Life Questionnaire” to complete and share with their doctors to open dialogue about “suc- surgery, to control her seizures, Martha turned to Dr. VanLandingham for help. Before recommending further surgery, Dr. VanLandingham prescribed Zonegran. Since adding Zonegran to her treatment regimen, Martha has had only two seizures in a year, allowing her to lead a more independentlife. She no longer experiences the side effects some other medications caused. Finally, Martha is doing some things she has never before been able to do on her own. “I needed the help of my family to do almost everything,” said Martha aboutherlife prior to taking Zonegran. “Now I enjoy cooking for my mom and mynext goal is to learn how to drive.” Zonegran is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. Serious skin and blood reactions have occurred. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse events were somnolence, dizziness, anorexia, headache, nausea and agitation/ irritability. For more information about Zonegran, please see accompanying full prescribing information or visit www.zonegran.com.
