Heads Up for Vets!
A collaboration between The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs' Epilepsy Centers of Excellence.
Many of our brave servicemen and women are returning home from active duty with a new war to wage: a battle to control seizures and epilepsy. They were there for us…now it’s time for us to be there for them.
Returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have been exposed to blasts from IEDs (improvised explosive devices), land mines, rocket-propelled grenades and suicide bombers. Blast exposure has left too many of these troops suffering with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI may result in an increased risk of developing epilepsy and/or seizures. Further, some types of seizures can be confused with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to the common diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam veterans and the poor recognition of epilepsy, unknown numbers of Vietnam veterans are also experiencing seizures.
Returning from war and reorienting to civilian life is challenging. Imagine our heroes with TBI, PTSD, amputation, blindness, and other physical and emotional wounds returning to seek medical help, counseling and job placement. When these men and women also have seizures (especially seizures without convulsion that may not be recognized as seizures by family, friends, or medical providers) the job of healing and re-integrating is far more difficult. Understanding the subtle differences between seizure types, and gaining insight into local community services is imperative. Becoming an active member of the greater epilepsy community can create a deepened feeling of self-worth and respect while increasing quality of life options.
We are here to serve our heroes…
The Anita Kaufmann Foundation has established a program to specifically provide our veterans with the following support when they return to their homes and local communities:
- Free epilepsy information
- Free seizure recognition and first aid trainings for individuals, employers, community groups and organizations
- Free consultations and linkages to information about services for social support, employment, transportation, etc.
- Opportunities to connect with AKF advocates experiencing similar situations
- Opportunities to become involved in the epilepsy community as an advocate, educator, or volunteer
Along with these supports, we have created unique seizure recognition and first aid posters as well as information sheets for our Veterans. These will be distributed free of charge to every US Veterans organization and will be made available to our returning heroes and their families.
For more information or if you have questions about our Veterans Program, please contact Heads Up For Vets Program Director Ann Marie Bezuyen at 845-800-5158 or "annmarie@akfus.org" or see our website at https://purpledayeveryday.org/events/heads-up-for-vets.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) include many types of seizures. Studies suggest TBI may result in an increased risk of developing epilepsy or seizures.
For More Information
VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence (ECoE) at www.epilepsy.va.gov
ECoE@va.gov
415-379-5599
Anita Kaufmann Foundation at www.purpledayeveryday.org/anita-kaufmann-foundation/ annmarie@akfus.org
845-800-5158
Please contact us for one on one support services and free seizure first aid material and trainings.