Episode 34. Epilepsy with Franziska Thomas - Author of Fits and Starts

In this episode, I am joined by Franziska Thomas to explore her almost life-long history of experiencing epilepsy. She traces the onset of her epilepsy and the daily seizures she experiences since her first seizure in 1992, when she said her whole world literally turned upside down.

Franziska describes 'Fits and Starts' as a story, not just of her fits, but also of injuries and of memory loss. She also sees the book as a compelling personal description of living with epilepsy, an illness she said is shrouded in secrecy and antiquated myths. She also intended it to be a memoir which is set inside the wider story of epilepsy and society.

Franziska describes a vivid picture of how her illness has influenced her career choices and continues to define her daily life. We also discuss her depiction of epilepsy as a messy illness, and her c ...