INTERNATIONAL EPILEPSY DAY : KNOW ABOUT EPILEPSY IN DETAIL
By- Minu Nayak
Epilepsy day is observed on 26 March to spread awareness about epilepsy and its impact on lives of people. This day aims to eliminate common myths and fears related to such neurological disorder like epilepsy. The day spreads a message to the people who suffering from epilepsy that they are not alone.
Lets Know ,What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. This is inform our readers that anyone can suffer from epilepsy.
Epilepsy affects both males and females of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Epilepsy is more common in young children and older people.
How can Epilepsy be avoided?
Generally the best possible ways to get rid of Epilepsy are to avoid high sugar, processed foods such as cookies, cakes, candy and white bread. As we know precaution is better than cure, so we need to switch over to healthy lifestyles.
Common symptoms of Epilepsy
Due to epilepsy involuntary movements occur in whole body or part of it. Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process of brain functionings . Seizure signs and symptoms may include:
• Temporary confusion
• A staring spell
• Stiff muscles
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety
Epilepsy in India
Around 50 million people in worldwide are affected by this disease . In India the cases of epilepsy are estimated to be 5.59-10 percent . The age-adjusted prevalence ratio of active epilepsy in Kerala is 4.7 per 1000 population.
First Awareness Programme for Epilepsy
In 2008, Nine-year-old Cassidy Megan, from Canada, took an initiative to spread awareness about epilepsy . She also made sure that no one affected from the disease feels alone.
She named the idea after the colour of lavender, which is the internationally recognized flower for epilepsy, and in this way, Purple Day was born. Therefore, on March 26, people from across the world are invited to wear purple and host events in various countries in support of epilepsy awareness.
There’s currently no cure for epilepsy, but it can be managed with medications and other strategies.
In the world, Canada is the only country that officially recognizes March 26 as Purple Day through the Purple Act that was implemented on June 28, 2012. We hope like every country should take some initiatives like Canada to aware people about the disease.
So, it is important to educate people about epilepsy and communicate them about the challenges faced by patients who suffer from this disease and how they can be helped.
Let’s Celebrate the day with positive attitudes by making sure that no one with epilepsy feels alone. To help the cause valuable funds can be raised so that people with epilepsy can be supported, informed and empowered to lead happy and successful lives.
