Nathan Buckley has revealed that his girlfriend Brodie Ryan suffers from epilepsy.
The AFL star is hoping to raise awareness for the neurological condition and is taking part in the Walk for Epilepsy charity event.
“It’s Brodes’ story to tell, but she’s had a few seizures over the last four or five years and she’s still figuring out exactly what that means for her,” the 52-year-old told the Herald Sun on tuesday.
“She’s had one or two (seizures) over the last two and a half years that we’ve been dating and we’re working to figure out what’s going on and find the cause of it,” he continued.
“You can imagine it’s pretty scary to go from surgery to actually having a problem. She’s now trying to figure out what the cause is and how it happens.”
Nathan said that by discussing the topic publicly he hopes to break the stigma surrounding the disease and help Brodie, 35, “understand it a little bit better.”
Epilepsy is characterized by sudden bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which prevents the nerve cells there from communicating properly with each other. This causes seizures in which everything from muscle control to senses such as taste and smell is completely disrupted for a few minutes.
The main treatment is anti-epileptic drugs to reduce the risk of seizures. This is done by changing the electrical activity in brain cells so that they become less ‘excitable’ and less likely to cause seizures.
Nathan Buckley has revealed that his girlfriend Brodie Ryan suffers from epilepsy. The AFL star is hoping to raise awareness of the neurological condition and is taking part in the Walk for Epilepsy charity event. Both pictured
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a small part of the brain that is causing the seizures.
Other approaches include implanting a small electrical device in the body and connecting it to the brain to interrupt the chaotic signals between nerve cells, or following a ketogenic diet – low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat – which is thought to reduce the “excitability” of nerve cells and may halve the number of episodes.
The famous couple are often seen on the Melbourne scene.
Brodie previously revealed that she and Nathan clicked due to their similar upbringings, after they started dating in 2022.
“It’s Brodes’ story to tell, but she’s had a few seizures over the last four or five years and she’s still figuring out exactly what that means for her,” the 52-year-old said.
Despite their 17-year age difference, the Melbourne businesswoman says they have a lot in common and push each other to be the best they can be every day.
“Helping others be the best versions of themselves and prioritizing their mental health and well-being and giving back to others is a passion that Nath and I have always shared. These topics were a huge draw for both of us early on,” she said.
“We were raised very similarly and therefore share many of the same values,” she continued.
“I have always had a passion for helping others where I can. It inspires me to have a partner who practices this passion every day with his family, friends and community.”
Brodie said Nathan’s public profile has given him the opportunity to help others through difficult times and give back to others. She said she is “inspired” by the work he does.
She was so in love with him that she said enthusiastically, “He is such a beautiful person.”
The former Collingwood player is clearly in love with Brodie too, as he often expresses his love for her on social media.
“She’s had one or two (seizures) over the last two and a half years of our relationship and we’re working to figure out what’s going on and find the cause of it,” he continued.