At 48, a man we'll call Joe greeted 2004 with what most of us might call a “clean bill of health.” No major problems, no real worries. Life was good. Then one day everything changed. His speech began to deteriorate, and within two weeks, Joe couldn't talk. Language became incomprehensible.

Living with a chronic seizure disorder such as epilepsy can be an existence of disquieting uncertainty. Symptoms, which can strike at any time, can range from dizziness and headaches to violent muscle contractions and a loss of consciousness. Driving is out of the question, work can be affected and social situations are tinged with anxiety about the possibility of an attack.