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SEIZED: Inside the Mystery of Epilepsy

This 2016 PBS film tells powerful stories of patients, families and doctors fighting for new treatments and new insights into this ancient disease. 

Learning About Epilepsy: 

Questions:

  • Ouida learned that she had epilepsy while living in China, where she also experienced language and cultural barriers. Where in your own community would you go for help with seizures or epilepsy? What challenges might you face?

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  • Epilepsy is very common. Have you ever seen or had a seizure? How did you respond, or how do you think you might you react?

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  • What surprised or concerned you about Ouida’s story? 

Epilepsy and Family Life:

Questions:

  • Ouida’s seizures make her unaware of her surroundings. How might you help someone like Ouida during a seizure? 

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  • Ouida’s young daughter Ripley describes her mom’s seizures. How could you help children better understand or feel less afraid of epilepsy?

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  • How do you think a chronic disease like epilepsy affects family life? Where can you find help for ongoing health problems?

Science, Surgery, and Seizures:

Questions:

  • A “smart” device is placed in Ouida’s brain to help stop seizures. How would you feel about you or a loved one having this surgery?

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  • Dr. Emad Eksander uses brain imaging technology to plan Ouida’s surgery and care. Would you want Dr. Eksander’s job? Why or why not? 

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  • What kind of technology or device could you design that would help Ouida? What would it do? How would it work?

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  • If you were Ouida and her family, what questions might you have for Dr. Eksander and his coworkers? 

Living with Epilepsy:

Questions:

  • What do you think is the biggest challenge for Ouida and her family?

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  • What good health habits might you practice if you had epilepsy? 

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  • What else would you like to learn about epilepsy?

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