Tis me, Polymeh (Mae)! When I was 5, I played my first computer game, Jumpstart Kindergarten; it was a blast, but shortly after, I started getting gut wrenching vertigo and visual hallucinations. I kinda brushed this off for years. In late primary, I started to experience more visual hallucinations, visual blackouts, and times of dizziness or times where I would just collapse. The doctors thought something was wrong with my heartbeat or maybe that I had POTS, but nothing turned up! I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines at that time. It wasn't until university until I tried seeking help once again. And after all this time, I found out I was epileptic.
Epilepsy is more than just the 'classic' seizures you might see represented most (Tonic-clonic/Grand-Mal). Most seizures are more subtle (altered conscious states, disorientation, reduced coordination) and more common than you think! Seizures come in different types, start in different parts of the brain, and have different triggers. For me, I have focal onset (partial) and atonic (loss of muscle tone) seizure types; my seizure types are common, but what's less common are my visual-triggered seizures (where the seizures start in my occipital lobe). People say most of my seizures look like a small stroke (where my speech is muddled & slurred, I look confused, and my hand coordination is poor), which are very common signs of a common (focal onset) seizure. Strobes, stress, sleep, sugar, and spirits (alcohol) are my triggers (in order of biggest to least).
While I haven't found a medication that helps, I have found lower sugar diets and Z-blue glasses to help the most and now have fairly well controlled seizures. Right now, I am also in rehab for memory loss due to epilepsy, a super common issue for many epileptics; seizures have left 'holes' in my memory to the point where I don't remember the majority of my childhood, let alone recent memories. So while the main effect of a seizure may last for a few minutes, the worst effect (for me) lasts a lifetime.
This is why I'm so excited for further progress in accessibility! When I see site designs with visual disabilities and photosensitivities in mind, it makes my day. With extra care and work, you can also support a safe and open web!
