Edinburgh student opens up after 'scary incidents leave graduation in doubt'
An Edinburgh graduate has said she is 'incredibly proud' after graduating while going through a 'frightening' health ordeal.
Emma Sullivan, 22, has left Edinburgh Napier University with a business management degree - something she felt might have been 'absolutely impossible'. In 2022, she began experiencing convulsive episodes which soon became 'intense and unpredictable'.
After months of tests, she was given a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). While finishing university became a challenge, Emma was presented with her degree at the Usher Hall and paid tribute to her family for their support.
Looking back on her university journey: "The weekend before starting second year I experienced two out of control 'episodes', which I didn't know were seizures at the time.
"Me and my parents went to A&E as we could tell something was wrong. After undergoing a couple of tests they were unable to detect any abnormalities, and it was put down to stress.
"I left the hospital feeling more confused than when I went in, as though I had wasted their time. I continued to have these 'episodes' every few weeks.
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"They were becoming more intense, and I would be very disoriented before and after them."
It took around seven months before Emma eventually got an explination for what she was going through. She was referred to a neurologist, who gave her an FND diagnosis.
The condition affects how the brain processes signals, with symptoms including seizures, fatigue and pain. Emma added: "Once I had the diagnosis it helped to give some clarity, but I still had to learn how to adapt to this new reality.
"Other things in my life needed to take a back seat. During flare ups I was having multiple seizures a day, which was both physically and mentally exhausting.
"Through neuropsychology appointments I learned that pacing myself was extremely important, and this has really helped me to continue my studies. It was a constant concern whenever I was out of the house that I might have a seizure, which added an extra layer of stress to everyday activities."
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Only months before her FND diagnosis, Emma was also diagnosed with autism. She was coming to terms with both at the same time, and admits it has been 'a lot to process'.
She added: "There were many times during the past couple years that the thought of graduating and finishing my studies seemed absolutely impossible.
"I am extremely proud of myself for getting to the stage, but I absolutely could not have done it without the love of my family. My mum and dad have been an incredible support and have been with me every step of this journey.
"Although it has been incredibly difficult and challenging at times, these experiences have also helped me to grow in resilience, determination and strength. Planning for the future can be very difficult due to the unpredictability of my health, but I remain passionate about raising awareness about both chronic illnesses and autism."
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