National Epilepsy Day

NATIONAL EPILEPSY DAY

• National Epilepsy Day is observed every year in India on November 17.
• The day is dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy, its symptoms, and the challenges faced by those affected by the disease.
• It also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
• Epilepsy is a brain disease where nerve cells don’t signal properly, which causes seizures.
• Seizures are uncontrolled bursts of electrical activities that change sensations, behaviors, awareness and muscle movements.
• Although epilepsy can’t be cured, many treatment options are available.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL EPILEPSY DAY

National Epilepsy Day was established to highlight the difficulties faced by people suffering from epilepsy. The day gained significance in India thanks to the efforts of health organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation and other advocacy groups.

• Initiation: The day was initiated by the Epilepsy Foundation of India, which was founded by Nirmal Surya in Mumbai in 2009.
• Global Impact: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50 million people around the world suffer from epilepsy, with India contributing to 10-20 percent of that global total.

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is primarily marked by seizures that affect brain function. The most common symptoms include:

• Loss of Awareness: A person may experience a temporary loss of awareness, leading to a blank stare, confusion, or unresponsiveness.
• Uncontrollable Movements: The person may experience jerking or muscle contractions that cannot be controlled.
• Cognitive Disruptions: These can include slowed thinking, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
• Sensory Disturbances: Some may experience altered sensory perceptions, such as dizziness, nausea, or feeling a sense of fear.
• Psychic Symptoms: In some cases, individuals might feel intense emotions such as overwhelming fear, or experience hallucinations.

TYPES OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

Epileptic seizures can be categorized into two primary types: Focal Onset Seizures and Generalized Onset Seizures.

1. Focal Onset Seizures:

These seizures start in one specific area of the brain. There are two types:

• Focal Onset Aware Seizure: The person remains conscious but may experience involuntary movements or sensations.
• Focal Onset Impaired Awareness Seizure: The person may lose consciousness or awareness during the seizure.

2. Generalized Onset Seizures:

These seizures involve both sides of the brain and can be further divided into six types:

• Absence Seizures: A brief period of staring or unresponsiveness.
• Atonic Seizures: A sudden loss of muscle strength, leading to a person collapsing or falling.
• Tonic Seizures: Muscle stiffening that can cause the person to fall or be unable to move.
• Clonic Seizures: Repetitive jerking movements.
• Tonic-clonic Seizures: A combination of stiffening and jerking movements, often called a “grand mal” seizure.
• Myoclonic Seizures: Sudden, brief jerks or twitches, often affecting the arms or legs.

PREVENTION TIPS FOR EPILEPSY

While epilepsy cannot always be prevented, there are several ways to manage the condition and reduce the likelihood of seizures:

• Take Medicines on Time:
  • Medication is crucial in managing epilepsy.
  • People with epilepsy should take their prescribed medication on time and follow their doctor’s advice.
  • Regular visits to a neurologist are important to help control seizures.
• Get Enough Sleep:
  • Sleep deprivation can trigger seizures.
  • It is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and get sufficient rest to minimize the risk of seizures.
• Avoid Caffeine:
  • Caffeine can act as a trigger for some people with epilepsy.
  • Foods and drinks like coffee, energy drinks, and soda contain caffeine, and these should be limited or avoided.
• Stay Hydrated:
  • Dehydration can lead to various health issues, including seizures.
  • It is important for individuals with epilepsy to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoid Flickering Lights:
  • Certain types of flashing or flickering lights can trigger seizures, especially in children.
  • Individuals with epilepsy should avoid exposure to flashing lights from television screens, computer monitors, or mobile phones.

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