National Epilepsy Day 2007
Theme, Myths of Epilepsy and Seizure First Aid
National Epilepsy Day will be observed on 17 November 2007 to raise awareness about epilepsy and the need for people living with the condition to be given a fair opportunity in every aspect of life. The theme for the awareness campaign this year is Fighting the social stigma attached with epilepsy.
The objective of the campaign is to raise epilepsy to a new plane of acceptability in the public domain and to increase public awareness of epilepsy as a universal and treatable brain disorder.
In order to create awareness about epilepsy, the Indian Epilepsy Association is undertaking various initiatives. Some of the highlights of this awareness campaign include educating people about dos and don'ts and myths of epilepsy, to ensure timely help of such patients, and special initiatives undertaken by the Indian Epilepsy Association to fight the stigma associated with epilepsy, especially in rural India.
Myths of Epilepsy
Myth: Epilepsy is a rare disease
Fact: Epilepsy is an extremely common neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures (or fits or convulsions- they mean the same thing), which affects approximately 1% of the total population. It is the 3rd most common neurological condition after Stroke and Alzheimer's. Worldwide, 39 million people are believed to have epilepsy. The expected number of cases of epilepsy in Delhi by the 2010 Commonwealth Games is expected to be approximately 190,000 (assuming a total population of approx 19 million).
Myth: Epilepsy occurs because of evil spirits possessing the brain
Fact: Epilepsy is a medical condition (just like heart disease, hypertension diabetes) which needs appropriate medical treatment. It is a neurological disorder, characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures and temporary impairment of brain function. Head injuries, strokes, brain tumours, brain infections and genetic conditions are potential causes. In a large number of cases, no cause can be found.
Myth: Patients with epilepsy are crazy
Fact: Although epilepsy is related to the brain, it does not indicate that a person is mentally ill or mentally retarded. Epilepsy is a physical condition and is not related to mental illness or intelligence. People with the condition have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us. Some have severe seizures and cannot work; others are successful and productive in challenging careers. Julius Caesar, Socrates, Napoleon, Charles Dickens, Leonardo da Vinci, Lewis Carroll etc are some famous people with epilepsy who have reached the pinnacle of success in their fields.
Myth: Epilepsy strikes children only
Fact: Epilepsy can strike anyone. It's most common in children, but those 65 or older are also likely to develop the disorder compared to younger adults. Cerebrovascular disorders like aneurysms and stroke are common causes of epilepsy in the elderly
Myth: All seizures involve convulsions in which the victim becomes rigid and shakes.
Fact: There are many different types of seizures involving different parts of the brain. Depending on which part of the brain is involved, there will be different physical symptoms. For example, a seizure victim may experience blank stares or rapid blinking. He may falls or experience intense emotional and/or physical sensations (e.g. fear, joy, laughter, unpleasant sights or smells).
Myth: During a seizure, people swallow their tongue and suffocate.
Fact: It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue, yet many people try to help a person having a seizure by forcing their mouth open and trying to hold their tongue. This is potentially dangerous both to the person helping (they may get bitten) and the person having the seizure (they may have their teeth damaged). However, a person should be rolled on their side during a convulsive seizure (grand- mal seizure) to ensure that their airway is not blocked.
Myth: Anti-epileptic drugs, if taken for 3 years, can cure epilepsy
Fact: The current medications available help in controlling the seizures but are not the cure for Epilepsy. Multiple antiepileptic drugs are available, which can control seizures. About 60 % of people who develop seizures have epilepsy that can be easily controlled with medications (often a single medication). Approximately 90% of patients with epilepsy will have their seizures well controlled with medical therapy. In many forms of epilepsy, anti-epileptic drugs can be withdrawn after 1-2 years of seizure freedom.
Myth: Apart from anti-epileptic drugs, there are no other options available for patients with epilepsy.
Fact: In spite of best medical therapy, 10% of patients will remain refractory to medications and could benefit from resective epilepsy surgery. Resective surgery can result in complete cessation of seizures in approximately 60% patients and significant improvement in seizure control in another 20%. Other modalities of treatment include ketogenic diet (a special fat rich diet) or vagal nerve stimulation.
Seizure
To help a person having a seizure, keep these instructions close at hand
Seizure First Aid
In a convulsive seizure:-
Stay calm
Note the time (to estimate seizure length)
Do not put anything in the person's mouth
Do not try to restrain the person
Do not apply CPR
Protect the person from obvious injury
Place something soft under the person's head and shoulders
Roll the person onto their side to keep the airways clear
Stay with and reassure the person until he / she has recovered
In a non-convulsive seizure:-
The person may behave strangely or appear disoriented . Talk to the person and try to guide him / her to safety.
Protect the person until he/she recovers from the convulsion.
Call an Ambulance:-
If the seizure continues unabated
If consciousness is not regained for 5 minutes, after the convulsion.
When a serious injury has occurred
--
Dr Marwah
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