INTRODUCTION
In India, November 17 is observed every year as National Epilepsy Day to create awareness about epilepsy. According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 50 million people have epilepsy across the world, out of which 80 percent people are living in developing countries. Although epilepsy is treatable, yet three-fourth of affected people in developing countries does not receive the required treatment. In India, about 10 million people suffer from seizures associated with epilepsy.
WHY IS NATIONAL EPILEPSY DAY CELEBRATED?
The main purpose of celebrating National Epilepsy Day is to make people aware of Epilepsy. Different research centers and organizations are involved in finding and research for curing Epilepsy. The team at Epilepsy Foundation also makes regular attempt to make sure that the epilepsy patients participate in every walk of life. The people at the foundation work to change the perception of people about Epilepsy patients. The organization also endeavors that the society and community accept and value epilepsy patients with respect.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of brain characterized by recurrent ‘seizures’ or ‘fits’. The seizures are caused as a result of sudden, excessive electrical discharges in the neurons (brain cells). The condition can affect people at any age and each age group has unique concerns and problems.
The symptoms of epilepsy are as follows:
- Sudden twitching (uncontrollable jerking motions of the arms and legs)
- Loss of consciousness
- Tingling sensation (feeling of pricking pins or needles) in arms or legs
- Stiffness in muscles of arms or legs or face
Causes of Epilepsy
- Brain damage from prenatal and perinatal injury
- Congenital abnormalities
- Brain Infections
- Stroke and Brain Tumors
- Head Injury/ Accidents
- Prolonged high fever during childhood.
Management
Tips to deal with Seizures
- Do not panic.
- Do not try to restrain the person during a seizure.
- Remove sharp objects or other harmful objects out of the person with seizures.
- Loosen any tight neck wear.
- Gently roll the person onto one side so that any fluid in the mouth can safely come out.
- Put something soft under his or her head.
- Do not put anything into the person’s mouth for the fear of swallowing tongue.
- Be with the person until medical help arrives.
- Allow the person to rest or sleep.
Epilepsy is mostly treatable with medications. The critical thing about epilepsy is that one should not delay its treatment. Start the treatment as soon as it is diagnosed. This prevents further deterioration of the condition.
Tips for Epileptic patients
- Take the epilepsy medications regularly as advised by doctor, even if you are not having seizures.
- Do not discontinue the medications without your doctors’ advice.
- Consult your doctor while taking any other medications to avoid possible side effects or any complications.
- Do not drink alcohol as it provokes seizures.
CONCLUSION
Epilepsy is one of the oldest identified medical situations of the world, yet people fear and misunderstand epilepsy. The persistence and misunderstanding of the people discourage them to talk or discuss the disease. Due to this reluctance, epilepsy patients are forced to live in the shadow. They often receive discrimination in the society and at their workplaces. For most of the people who live with epilepsy, the misapprehension and discrimination can create a bigger problem in treating the seizures as discrimination lowers the self-esteem of the victims. Lack of funding and financial support discourages the new therapy research in the field of Epilepsy. By celebrating National and International Epilepsy Day, awareness can be raised and common people can be educated about the real facts of epilepsy. Timely detection and medication is very critical for improved treatment. The effect of the disease can be subdued with better care and social interaction if not completely cured.
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