When we think about the symbol for epilepsy, our mind usually goes to the purple ribbon, but there is also another symbol – the seahorse.

In this blog, we will explain why the seahorse is used as a symbol for epilepsy and how you can apply this symbol onto your epilepsy jewellery.

The origin of the seahorse.

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. These seizures often begin in a structure of the brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a complex brain structure embedded deep into the temporal lobe. It has a major role in learning and memory, as well as controlling emotion and instinct. 

Seizures, especially ones that start in the temporal lobe, can cause damage to the hippocampus. The hippocampus is very sensitive to changes in brain activity. If seizures that start here go untreated, the hippocampus starts to harden and shrink, and the information stored here becomes disorganised. Luckily, there is one hippocampus on each side of the brain, so if seizures affect one side, the other can help pick up the workload.

The Epilepsy Foundation explains seizures and memory in more detail.

So, the reason why the seahorse is the symbol for epilepsy is because the hippocampus in our brains is shaped a bit like a seahorse, and ‘hippocampus’ is Greek for seahorse.

Seahorses are also unique creatures. They face a lot of adversity to survive in the world, making them very resilient, just like us. They have many unusual characteristics and behaviours, and they must fight a little more than other sea creatures to survive. This fits in with those living with epilepsy as they too must face many challenges in the world.

How to add the seahorse to your jewellery. 

The seahorse can be worn as a necklace to represent your epilepsy. However, there are many ways you can add the seahorse to your jewellery. For instance, you could engrave the outline of a small seahorse on the charm of a personalised necklace or a personalised bracelet.

You could also use the colour purple in your jewellery as this is the colour for epilepsy as seen in this ribbon pin. You could even use purple cord on your bracelet with an engraved seahorse symbol if you like.

So, in conclusion the seahorse is used as a symbol for epilepsy because of its connection to the hippocampus in the brain, which is shaped like a seahorse. If you have any stories you would like to share about epilepsy or the seahorse symbol, then please comment below. If you have any further questions, please drop us a line at help@butlerandgrace.co

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