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In India, November 17 is observed every year as National Epilepsy Day to create awareness about 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.
Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disease and affects people of all ages. More than 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy; nearly 80% of them live in low- and middle-income countries.
An estimated 70% of people with epilepsy could be seizure free if properly diagnosed and treated. However, about three-quarters of people with epilepsy in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need, and this rises to 90% in some countries. In many such countries, many health professionals do not have the training to recognize, diagnose and treat epilepsy. In most resource-poor countries, anti-seizure medications are not available.
People with epilepsy and their families frequently suffer from stigma and discrimination. In many parts of the world, the true nature of epilepsy has also long been distorted by myths, fear and mistaken notions about the disorder.
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.
