Overcoming Seizures to Pursue a Neuroscience Degree and Help Others Living with Epilepsy

This month we welcome Matthew Summerfield to the podcast. Matthew has lived with epilepsy since his first seizure at the age of eleven. Though he was advised early on not to tell anyone about his epilepsy, Matthew has refused to be held back by seizures. He not only ignored that advice, but went on to become a visible advocate for epilepsy awareness and research, creating fundraisers and awareness events during his high school years, studying neurosceience as a college undergraduate, and now pursuing a PhD while working in an epilepsy research lab at the University of Iowa.

Matthew Summerfield’s first experience with epilepsy occurred in 2011 when he was suddenly stricken with a series of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Though he wasn’t diagnosed at that time, Matthew was told by an E.R. doctor that it might be best if he didn’t share the experience with anyone because epilepsy can change how others view you. When he was ultimately diagnosed several months later, Matthew and his family chose to ignore that initial advice and be public about his epilepsy, sharing the diagnosis with friends, teachers, and coaches. Though he struggled to get control of his seizures, Matthew refused to let epilepsy control his life. He continued to participate in sports, reasoning that playing hockey was one of the safest activities he could undertake because he was covered in pads. Matthew also sought to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy research by creating a group called “Matthew’s Mob” while in high school. Determined to pursue his dream of serving his country, Matthew applied to the Military Academy. When he was ultimately denied admission due to epilepsy, Matthew chose a new route, studying neuroscience in college because he wanted to learn as much about epilepsy as he could. Now 24 years old and pursuing his PhD, Matthew works in the lab of a CURE Epilepsy-funded researcher focusing on the mechanisms of SUDEP, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. In this episode of Seizing Life®, Matthew details his epilepsy journey, explaining why he chose to be public with his diagnosis, offering tips for other young people with epilepsy who are attending college, and sharing his hopes for the future of epilepsy education.

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