Where would I be without this boy and what would have happened if I had a seizure in the shower?
Echo brought both medication for generalized seizures and then focal seizures. Although the original video was way longer than the cut version (about 15 min with a 30 second focal), my medication for focal seizures doesn’t work super fast.
What’s important is that I didn’t have a grand mal seizure ❤️🩹
I have been forgetting (or putting off doing my medication) because I have been doing so well and not having seizures shortly after my blood patches were done
Showers trigger POTs which triggers epilepsy at times for me
Echo typically only alerts to grand mal seizures (it’s the easiest for a dog to scent for). I’m surprised he barked before the focal seizure but truly believe he stopped an epileptic grand mal seizure with rescue meds before it happened
My focal seizures can turn into grand mal seizures shortly after especially if there are clonic components
Later, he sniffs through the closed cabinets to see if he can get to my injectable rescue med — it was in there and he booped the correct one but it was closed
He pressed the IPUPPEE button that calls Ruben and lets him watch, talk, and listen to me through
Apparently we need to move our home camera up a little higher because he booped you guys too
#epilepsyawareness #servicedogalert #seizuresupport #seizurealertdog #focalseizure
Seizure alert dogs like Echo are specially trained to detect changes in their handler’s behavior or scent that signal the onset of seizures, particularly grand mal seizures. These dogs can alert their owners before a seizure occurs, providing critical time to prepare or administer rescue medications. In this article, Echo’s attentiveness to a subtle focal seizure possibly prevented its progression into a more dangerous grand mal seizure. Focal seizures affect a localized region of the brain and can sometimes evolve into generalized seizures such as grand mal seizures, which involve convulsions and loss of consciousness. The early intervention by a seizure alert dog can be life-saving by prompting timely medication delivery or emergency response activation. An important trigger mentioned here is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition affecting blood flow that can sometimes trigger seizures when combined with other factors like temperature changes during showers. Management of epilepsy often involves identifying and avoiding such triggers, alongside medication adherence. Service dogs trained for epilepsy alert not only help identify imminent seizures but can also assist in emergency protocols. For example, Echo activated an IPUPPEE button to summon help remotely, allowing a family member to communicate and monitor the situation through a camera system. This showcases advanced training and capabilities of seizure alert dogs beyond scent detection. Proper medication adherence remains crucial, as skipping or delaying doses can increase seizure risks. Blood patch treatments can help reduce spinal fluid leaks that contribute to seizure activity, reflecting the multidisciplinary approach often required to manage complex epilepsy cases. This story emphasizes the powerful support service dogs provide to people with epilepsy. They enhance safety, reduce seizure severity, and improve quality of life by enabling independence and rapid emergency responses. For those living with epilepsy, understanding seizure types like focal and grand mal seizures, recognizing triggers such as POTS, and exploring assistance options like seizure alert dogs are key strategies to improve seizure management and overall well-being.
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