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- Epilepsy and the Workplace - Amanda's Story
- Fitness, Sports, and Epilepsy - "Mighty Mike's" Story
- Coping with Difficult to Treat Epilepsy - Martha's Story
- An Active Senior With Epilepsy - Dessa's Story
- Living A Life With Epilepsy - Mark's Story
| Name: | Mike Simmel |
| Hometown: | Allendale, New Jersey |
| Age: | 27 |
| Diagnosed: | Age 2 |
| Current Treatment: | Zonegran® (zonisamide) capsules; adjunctive therapy for partial seizures |
| Physician: | Dr. David Adams, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center To read more about Mike’s physician, click here. |
FITNESS, SPORTS, AND EPILEPSY - "MIGHTY MIKE'S" STORY
For as long as he can remember, Mike has coped with the challenges people with epilepsy sometimes face. As a young child, he recalls feeling self-conscious about not being able to participate in some activities other children could do. But at age seven, Mike found his passion in life when his dad gave him a basketball, to help improve his motor skills. Little did he know it would change his life forever.
Mike practiced tirelessly to improve his technique with the dream of a future career in basketball, but he feared epilepsy would prevent him from achieving this goal. Diagnosed at age two; Mike tried several treatments over the years, but struggled to find a treatment that helped control seizures, would be well tolerated and would be convenient to take.
Mike started seeing Dr. Adams at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in 1999. At the time, Mike was a very active college student and collegiate basketball player. He struggled with remembering to take his epilepsy medications several times a day, which is very important for people with epilepsy to help them control seizures. Dr. Adams took Mike’s busy lifestyle, condition and medical history into consideration and prescribed Zonegran.
Since adding Zonegran to his treatment regimen, Mike is able to better manage his dosing schedule and has his seizures under control. As a result, Mike has fulfilled his goal of playing professional basketball as a member of the stunt team, the Harlem Wizards. Focusing on basketball boosted Mike’s self-confidence and helped him overcome the stigma he encountered because of epilepsy.
“My current treatment regimen allows me to lead an active lifestyle,” Mike said. “I am careful to take my medications every day and maintain a positive attitude. I recognize that epilepsy is a part of my life, but I take care of myself so that I can participate in the activities I enjoy, like basketball.”
In addition to being a member of the Wizards, Mike performs at halftime shows, visits basketball camps and tours the country as a motivational speaker to inspire those with epilepsy to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He also participates in the Epilepsy Foundation’s national advocacy events. Eric Hargis, president & CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation, believes Mike is an inspiration to people with epilepsy. “We appreciate his contribution to our national effort to increase public awareness of epilepsy. The Foundation is fortunate to work with someone who is willing to share his positive story and personal experiences.”
Click here to view or download full ZONEGRAN prescribing and safety information