
National Epilepsy Awareness Day
#CreatingAwareness

National Epilepsy Awareness Day is November 17th. In this regard, the primary goal is to raise public awareness of epilepsy disease, its symptoms, and its prevention. Epilepsy is thought to be a chronic brain disorder marked by recurrent seizures or “fits.” This has been observed to affect people of all ages, and each person has their own set of concerns and problems to deal with.
Why is it called epilepsy?
The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word epilambanein and means “to be seized.” This was used to connote both the disease and the single attack. The term signifies the magical thinking of that time that people with epilepsy were considered unclean or evil, and created the stigma related to epilepsy.
What color is good for epilepsy?
Purple is the color of epilepsy which is why Cassidy Megan, a young girl with epilepsy from Nova Scotia, Canada created Purple Day. Lavender is recognized as the international flower of epilepsy.
Is epilepsy very serious?
Epilepsy can be devastating in terms of quality of life. People with epilepsy cannot drive and they can have a hard time finding employment. There is also the specter of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), in which a person with epilepsy unexpectedly dies, either with or without evidence of a seizure.
Some of the seizure triggers that have been reported by people with epilepsy
• Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed.
• Feeling tired and not sleeping well.
• Stress.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Flashing or flickering lights.
• Monthly periods.
• Missing meals.
• Having an illness which causes a high temperature.
Causes of epilepsy
• a stroke.
• a brain tumour.
• a severe head injury.
• drug abuse or alcohol misuse.
• a brain infection.
• a lack of oxygen during birth.
Epilepsy treatments include:
• Medicines called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)
• Surgery to remove a small part of the brain that’s causing the seizures.
• A procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures.
• A special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures.