About 70,000 people in Austria suffer from epilepsy, including Michel Reimon, member of the Greens in the European Parliament and National Council. He decided to deal with the disease openly – even though it was not easy for him, as he says. In addition to epilepsy, Reimon also has Lange Covid.
The politician made his long illness from Covid public as early as May 2021 and posted on Facebook about his first epileptic attack: “I am sitting on the floor in my bedroom, everything is covered in blood. There are two paramedics in front of me and one says, ‘Ah, now he’s coming by… Hello, can you hear me? You don’t know your way now, do you?’”
Already had a seizure in the TV studio”
On Friday, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) the video of a US senator who had a seizure, in front of the camera during a press conference. After a few minutes he can answer questions again. “That is why I decided – with great reluctance – to deal with it transparently. Seems a little different to me, but not really sovereign. Can happen at any time, even had a seizure in the TV studio,” Reimon writes.
The causes of epilepsy can vary; according to MedUni Vienna, four to five percent of all people experience an epileptic seizure at least once in their lives. This is excessive activity in one or more areas of the brain. The attacks can vary greatly from person to person, sometimes only individual muscles tremble, but the whole body can also cramp and you lose consciousness.
Alcohol consumption can also cause epilepsy
In addition to viral diseases such as Covid-19 or tick-borne TBE, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use and brain damage from lack of oxygen can also cause epileptic seizures. Preliminary genetic findings may also play a role.
“About two-thirds of patients with epilepsy can be treated very well with drugs, about one-third of patients suffer from epilepsy that is difficult to treat, and despite the use of various drugs, it is not possible to be seizure-free.” says MedUni Vienna. Young children and people of advanced age are at the highest risk of developing the disease.
First aid: what to do in case of an attack?
If you notice an affected person’s epileptic seizure, you must first minimize the risk of injury. In the event of a fall, there is a risk of further injury, especially in the head area. In road traffic, other road users must be stopped in case of danger, in houses dangerous edges such as stairs must be shielded.
Do not hold the person during a seizure unless you are swimming. In that case, you should keep the person’s head above water. Some sick people wear a bracelet or an emergency card. If the attack does not stop on its own, you should definitely call the emergency number.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
