Running was always one of Annie Brooks' passions. Marathons on weekends were commonplace in her life until one day, in the middle of a race, she was faced with terrifying symptoms – confusion, an inability to control her limbs, and memory loss. Forced to sit on the sidelines, Brooks had no idea what was happening to her. Only later did she discover that she'd experienced a complex partial seizure.
While a recurring event, it took five years for Brooks to be diagnosed with complex partial seizures because it is such a misunderstood condition. Like many others, she believed that there was only one type of epilepsy and that what she had been experiencing did not fit the description. But once Brooks received a diagnosis, she was able to better understand and manage the disorder. “I call myself an epilepsy warrior because I have seen the worst sides of this condition and I have decided to not let it defeat me,” she says.
Brooks has used this mindset to create the blog Tales of Annie Bean, where she posts about her adventures while informing people about the different types of epilepsy. “I decided that I would take time to create content for people who want to find out about partial seizures by creating a channel that was both educational and fun,” she says. On her YouTube page Brooks provides regular updates about her epilepsy and how she copes with it. She also shares videos from her travels and fitness journeys, including her monthly physical challenge for epilepsy awareness.
Whether exploring countries like Costa Rica and South Africa or expanding her horizons with snorkelling and indoor skydiving, Brooks reminds others of what is achievable even when living with epilepsy. While treating the disorder can be difficult, it is possible and necessary. “There is happiness beyond the condition, as long as you’re careful,” Brooks says.
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