Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group

It isn't really offensive to me but no, I do not use that word to describe my seizures. Sometimes I will call it an episode, but not a fit. It just sounds so bad. A fit to me is like a child throwing a temper tantrum. That is just what MY brain automatically associates that word to.

It isn't really offensive to me but no, I do not use that word to describe my seizures. Sometimes I will call it an episode, but not a fit. It just sounds so bad. A fit to me is like a child throwing a temper tantrum. That is just what MY brain automatically associates that word to.

io have been lucky no one has ever used that word to me so its not in my vocaublry fit is totally new to me. My 1 friend whom also has seziures he likes to say he has visted fairy land and I have quickly picked up on it I am not tthe biggest fan of the word episode or seziure its just me cuz when you say either 1 ppl presume you mean a grand mal and thats just not always the case. My 1 friend is affriad of the word seziures he seroisly no matter what says black out and I dont mind but ita not acurate. From what i hear from ppl telling me things I visted fairy land suits me fine. Its up to you what you wish to call it now i am off to lay down cuz i needa.

canadian here to..grin.. i have only ever had one person ever use that word when refering to me...it was in physio therapy..and i took the time to ask her where she was from and where she trained..she was from canada and trained in the city i was living in... sigh.. she had asked me how often i had FITS...so i explained to her that we called them seziures in Canada and then walked out..and switched physio therapists... simple...
I think it has alot to do with where you live and what is acceptable ...in Cananda..the word fits..is not acceptable..nor in the states...but lets say in austriala..for example...it may be an acceptable term to use ...so be it.. who are we to say it must be changed???

hugs
heather

Mabou- sarcasm and offense was not intended- I simply used gasoline/petrol as an illustration of differences in vernacular!

Well, I certainly didn't expect this reaction when I posted this question. To clear up a few misconceptions about me. I do live in a small rural community and the school my son goes to does not have anyone else with epilepsy. They have in the past but no one with the many varities my son has. Its been a slow process but I believe they are slowly starting to get it. School is not an easy place to be when you do not learn the same way as everyone else and you take many seizures but he has a great teacher this year.
At this moment, we are at the childrens hospital with him hooked up to a long term video EEG. There were three neurologists in this morning, with one being a epileptologist, so maybe things will get sorted out. I also make sure that the epilepsy is as small a part of who my son is as I can. He plays sports like all others kids and I will continue to do this. I also never took offense to the word, Petrol. My mother-in-law comes straight from England so I'm very much aware of cultural differences. Take care all and thanks for the replies.

maybe in 'ENGLAND' they use word fit..i was diagnosed in 1996 i live in Scotland..my gp nor my nuro have ever used that word...

Tomato / Tomato... Potato / Potato.. I have to admit having had this argument with the husband for sometime before coming to the conclusion (as stated by Viking) "A rose by any other name..."
Yep... it is a negative term and after my husband and I consulted Webster's we came to the conlusion that the word "fit" per their definition is an appropriate term for an seizure.
Think now about all the things or people that have more than one term to describe them. Usually, one is more outdated and negative then the the other more modern and politically correct name. It doesn't matter who we are or where we come from... there is always going to be someone using the older, less appropriate name to describe some us or some feature we hold. It is, and always will be, our reaction to their negativity which will determine what happens next.

I think it is a cultural difference. I've heard people use the term before. I've never really found it offensive myself, but I see how it could be I suppose. But, you just have to think it's because they don't know any better. It's just their simple understanding of what a seizure is. If you DO happen to find it offensive, just politely correct them. And as for your son...I find that with things like this, especially in younger children...kids tend to be more accepting it seems of things like this. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't think anyone will treat him differently because of his seizures. I wish you and him the best of luck!!!
-TiA

In your case, Mabou, I guess I can understand the defensive posture of a mother standing watch over her child.

But what message does it send when I get ticked off at someone (hell, my doctor calls them fits still) for not being caught up on the latest most sensitive way to address my condition?

That I am a victim. That I pity myself. That I need special emotional attention because I am damaged and overwrought.

What a bunch of crap. No one is trying to offend us. Maybe, if we want to be the bigger people, we should hesitate before making someone feel like an insensitive oaf - just because they didn't know the currently acceptable word, not having spent any time in the E&S forum at DS lately.