Samari Rolle's ailment (1 Viewer)

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Baltimore Sun article

Rolle says he missed games due to epilepsy

Ravens cornerback reveals undisclosed illness that kept him out six games

By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter

7:26 PM EST, November 21, 2007

For eight weeks, Samari Rolle kept his condition a secret. "I didn't know if I could play, if I would be all right or anything," the Ravens' cornerback said. "It was very scary."

But today Rolle disclosed that he has epilepsy, a neurological condition that affects the nervous system and can cause seizures. He finally decided to publicly talk about his epilepsy "because it's under control now. Right now, I'm not scared."

He has had three seizures this season, which have kept him out of six games. "I feel very good, more so emotionally," said Rolle, who returned to practice today and is expected to play Sunday. "I've heard all kind of rumors of what I had. It's been hard on my wife and my family. I'm just happy to be back playing."

Other professional athletes have played with epilepsy, including Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Alan Faneca, who was diagnosed with the disorder when he was 15. He's been an All-Pro guard for the Steelers.

Along with the seizures, Rolle suffered such aftereffects as headaches and memory loss, all of which caused him to wonder if his 10-year playing career was over.

Neither Rolle nor the Ravens would disclose his illness over the past two months because Rolle wanted to keep it a private matter. A Ravens spokesman said the team doctors wouldn't comment on his condition or any restrictions during the game.

Rolle's first seizure -- which he called "the scariest" -- occurred days before the Ravens' Sept. 23 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Leaving his house to go to practice, Rolle noticed that his neck was swollen, his head was ringing and his tongue was bleeding. After the Ravens asked him to undergo testing, Rolle learned that he had two seizures that day. Sitting out three weeks, Rolle was provided medicine from a specialist that caused him to feel lethargic and lose his coordination.

He eventually played two straight games before having a setback -- another seizure.

The article is quite long and very interesting.