BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Steve Crossman has provided a health update after suffering an epileptic seizure while covering the World Cup in Mexico live on air two weeks ago. He appeared on BBC Breakfast on July 1 to discuss the incident and his recovery since returning to the UK.
Interview on BBC Breakfast
Speaking to hosts Jon Kay and Sarah Campbell, Crossman assured viewers he was doing well. "I'm alright, yeah. I'm ok. It's a strange thing about epilepsy," he said. "Obviously, I've seen both sides of it. I've been the person having the seizure, and I've been the person witnessing the seizure with my sister. Often it's worse to be the person watching it happen."
Crossman explained that he was conscious before the seizure and handed over to the news a few seconds before the episode occurred. "The next thing I know, I was waking up, so it's a strange thing. The people who witness it are normally the people who have the most to deal with," he added.
Seizure Details and Triggers
The presenter revealed he has tonic-clonic seizures, which are often spaced apart. He had not experienced one in over five years before this incident. When asked about warning signs, Crossman said there were none, describing the seizure as "completely random."
He noted specific triggers identified by his neurologist in Mexico City. "The neurologist that I saw in Mexico City, where it happened, said that this one was probably down to jet lag. I've had three seizures in 10 years. One was in Mexico City, one was in Rio, and one was on a treadmill in Aldringham, so that just shows the randomness of it," Crossman said.
Previous Seizure Experience
Reflecting on a seizure during the Olympics in Rio, Crossman recounted being held down by bystanders, which is not recommended. "That cost me a lot physically and psychologically over the years," he said. He expressed gratitude for the proper response during the Mexico incident, thanking producer George, editor Mark, the engineer, and football commentator Ian Dennis for their knowledge and swift action.
"Our engineer was great, and Ian Dennis, who is a very well-known 5 Live football commentator, knows what to do as well. He happened to be doing the commentary from somewhere else in America at the time, and he was able to say to the editor of the program back at base, 'This is something you can do, we've spoken about it and that thing,'" Crossman explained.
Inspiration and Future Plans
Crossman drew inspiration from his late sister Jill, who motivated him to continue working after the seizure. He also announced plans to run the London Marathon next year for the Epilepsy Society in her memory.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One from 6am.
