Musician releases fresh track discussing epilepsy to capture the experience of seizures in lyrics

Singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido has unveiled her latest single, ‘Dear Seizure,’ a heartfelt track inspired by her personal journey with epilepsy. The South East England-based artist, known for her folk and piano-driven music, has ventured into a new realm with this “sharp, two-minute alt-rock” song crafted with Swedish producer Jonatan Bäckelie.

In a candid discussion, Léanie shared her experience of managing temporal lobe epilepsy stemming from a long-standing brain lesion. Her battle began at the age of 14, marked by clusters of focal aware seizures. One unforgettable moment that remains etched in her memory was the occurrence of her inaugural seizure as she stood in front of a mirror, hairspray in hand, bewildered yet conscious.

Through the years, her epilepsy ebbed as she found relief in carbamazepine, eventually leading her to discontinue medication and embrace a seizure-free existence. Nevertheless, in her mid-20s, epilepsy resurfaced with renewed vigor, accompanied by tonic-clonic seizures, rendering her previous medication ineffective. A tumultuous journey ensued, marked by unsuccessful drug trials and debilitating side effects until Keppra emerged as a saving grace.

Recalling an unsettling incident involving a switch in her medication to a different brand of levetiracetam, triggering a series of focal aware and tonic-clonic seizures, Léanie emphasized the importance of brand consistency to mitigate breakthrough seizures effectively. A brief hiatus from work provided her with a rare opportunity to channel her energy and passion into her music career, culminating in the release of several albums and a promising record and publishing contract.

Epilepsy Action emphasizes the criticality of maintaining consistency in medication formulations, cautioning against deviations that may potentially trigger breakthrough seizures. Categorizing epilepsy medicines into distinct groups based on their interchangeability, the organization advocates for informed decisions and doctor-patient dialogue to ensure the safe and effective management of epilepsy.

‘Léanie’s courageous decision to chronicle her epilepsy journey through music not only sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals grappling with the condition but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those navigating similar challenges. ‘Dear Seizure’ stands as a poignant tribute to resilience, vulnerability, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity, encapsulating Léanie’s unwavering spirit and indomitable will.